Voters are turning out in large numbers for today’s governorship election in Edo State.
Reports by KaftanPost/Kaftantv correspondents deployed all over the state indicate that a record turnout of voters is expected and the election promises to be exciting.
However, the usual vote buying that has marred general elections in Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999 threatens to put a stain on today’s election.
Our correspondents noticed such acts as vote-buying in Emokpae Primary School, Benin.
And in spite of the dangers of contracting the dreaded coronavirus, there was little or no social distancing as polling stations are jam packed with voters queuing up shoulder to shoulder.
This falls foul of NCDC rule on public gatherings and contrary to promises by INEC to ensure physical distancing by voters today.
One of the early voters was a former governor of Edo State and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
He cast his vote at Polling Unit 001, Ward 10, Iyamho, Etsako West Loc Government Area in company of his wife.
The governorship candidate of the APC, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, also voted at almost the same time in his ward, Iguododo ward five, unit 26 of Orhiomwon Local Government Area.
11:07 – Presiding Officers in Edo Governorship Elections authorize a “No face mask, no voting” rule due to congestions at polling centers
11:30 am – All Progressives Congress deputy governorship candidate, Gani Audu, casting his ballot.
12:00pm: Obaseki votes
1:00pm: Large turnout of voters at ikpoba okha, Ward 7, Benin city
1:34pm: Obaseki expresses disappointment at INEC over election preparations after voting
2:00pm: European Centre For Electoral Support (ECES) says voters in polling units did not observe Covid-19 guidelines
2:39pm: Motorists and travelers stranded At Okpella, Etsako West local government Area, Edo State lament
2:54pm: Voting ends at Uhunmwode LGA, Ward 8, Unit 2
3:11pm: Voting ends at Iguododo Primary School, Ward 5, Unit 26
3:48pm: APC Wins in Ward 5, Unit 26
