Edo Decides 2024: Residents defy heavy downpour to vote Ighodalo, Okpebholo, Akpata, others

Despite heavy rainfall and delays in the arrival of election materials, residents of Edo Central Senatorial District, encompassing Esan South-East, Igueben, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan Central LGAs, came out in large numbers to cast their votes in the ongoing 2024 gubernatorial elections.

At Unit 9, Dumontan Polling Unit in Irrua, Esan LGA, voting commenced at 9:20 a.m. with a steady flow of voters. The process was orderly, as INEC ad hoc staff directed proceedings, while security officers ensured voters followed the rules.

Among the voters were both elderly and youth, who braved the weather and long queues.

However, our correspondent witnessed a middle-aged man distributing money to voters after inquiring about their choice of candidate.

In contrast, at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Ward 013, Oturuwo Unit 1, voting was less orderly.

INEC officials struggled to manage an unruly crowd, and tensions flared when voters accused a particular political party (name withheld) of having two representatives at the booth while other parties only had one.

This led to protests, with INEC staff and security operatives trying to restore calm.

Food items were brought to some polling units and shared among voters.

Despite the disruptions, the BVAS machines worked flawlessly, ensuring smooth voting.

Security personnel maintained strict enforcement of the movement restrictions, allowing only residents with valid voter cards access to polling units.