Ado-Ekiti Records Peaceful Polls Despite BVAS Glitches, Vote-Buying Claims

By Rotimi Aleshinloye, Kemi Folarin

The governorship election in Ado-Ekiti got underway peacefully on Saturday, with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arriving at most polling units before 8:00 a.m. 

At Ado Ward 8, Unit 14, where a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ado Ekiti/Irepodun-Ifelodun local government areas at the National Assembly, Honourable Steve Olushola Fatoba voted early as 7:00am, witnessed the presence of party agents who were on ground to monitor accreditation and voting. 

Across the state capital, the exercise was largely orderly. Voters complied with electoral guidelines and conducted themselves peacefully throughout the process.

BVAS Hiccups Cause Early Delays:

The calm was briefly disrupted by technical issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). In several units, the devices failed to access voters’ photographs and fingerprints, leaving many stranded for hours. 

INEC officials later resolved the faults, and the machines functioned effectively for the remaining part of the period of accreditation and voting.

Mixed Voter Turnout:

While some polling units recorded impressive turnout with residents patiently waiting to cast their ballots, others saw low numbers. Frustration grew in parts of Ado-Ekiti where voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) could not find their names on the INEC register despite claims of registering at those units.

Vote-Buying Allegations Surface:

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ayo Babatola, alleged vote buying after voting at Olora Ward 9, Unit 7. He urged authorities to investigate and protect the integrity of the polls.

Party agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the allegations, insisting the election was free and fair. Similar claims of vote trading were reported at Ado Ward 9, Unit 9. 

As of press time, INEC had not issued an official statement on the allegations.

Overall, the election in Ado-Ekiti remained largely peaceful, with voters showing commitment to the democratic process despite technical setbacks and isolated concerns.