From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The conduct of the Senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections in Edo Central and Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo State was orderly and peaceful on Friday, August 15.
Accreditation and voting took place simultaneously during the elections.
Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who voted at Unit 3, Old Education Board, Iguobazuwa West Ward, Ovia South West Local Government Area, commended the turnout of voters for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
He described the process as seamless, peaceful, and encouraging.
“So far, everything is going well. We are expecting free, fair, and credible elections. Ovia people will be happy with the outcome. The turnout is impressive. More voters should come out and vote and shun violence.
“I just voted and I am going home while I wait for the result,” he said.
An agent of the Peoples Democratic Party, whose name could not be ascertained, was beaten and manhandled at Ozolua Model Primary School, Iguobazuwa, headquarters of Ovia South West Local Government Area, by voters who said the agent refused to release their Permanent Voter Cards.
Voters turned out to vote at various wards in Iguobazuwa as materials arrived as early as 7 a.m.
The APC candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, Ms Omosede Igbinedion, voted at the Oguedion voting centre in Okada, headquarters of Ovia North East Local Government Area.
In Okada West Ward Units 1, 4, and 6, voters were also seen in the queue waiting to cast their votes.
In the Edo Central Senatorial by-election, Governor Monday Okpebholo arrived at Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area at about 9:45 a.m., where he underwent accreditation and voted at exactly 9:52 a.m.
Speaking with journalists shortly after, he said, although the exercise was peaceful, the BVAS machines deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were causing unnecessary delays.
“Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration. The BVAS is just too slow. It takes too long before you can get accredited. I think INEC needs to look into this. So far, so good, the feelers I’m getting are good.”
The results of the elections were still being awaited at press time.
