The rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections for the affected polling units in the four registration areas of the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, which were postponed on Saturday, have not commenced as scheduled on Sunday. As of 10:30 am, INEC officials were not present at the polling units in Yenagoa.
At the Fakulu Health Centre polling unit, Epie 3, and Ayemeze polling unit 004, also in Epie 3, voters, observers, security operatives, and journalists were seen waiting for the Commission’s officers and ballot papers.
Wilfred Ifogah, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity at the Yenagoa office, issued a statement on Saturday that the rescheduled exercise would take place from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday due to the disruption of the exercise on Saturday.
A voter, Adolfus Johnson from the Amarata community, expressed his disappointment in INEC’s inability to keep their promise. He stated that they were at the polling unit on Saturday and could not vote because INEC officials did not show up.
When contacted, Ifogah reassured that the electoral officers were on their way to the polling units.
It is essential that INEC adheres to the new schedule and ensures that the election process is conducted transparently and efficiently. The people of Yenagoa have a right to participate in the electoral process and have their voices heard. It is vital that INEC provides adequate information and support to voters and stakeholders to prevent any further setbacks or delays.
