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Many registered voters can’t locate polling units in Gwagwalada, Kwali area councils

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Many registered voters can’t locate polling units in Gwagwalada, Kwali area councils

MANY registered voters could not locate their polling units at the Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, today, Saturday, February 25, as Nigerians elect a new president and National Assembly members.

The ICIR reporter who monitored voting in the two area councils saw many prospective voters in the two area councils running from one polling unit to the other to find their names.

One of them, Oluwatobi Imodu, said, “I’m here to vote. But unfortunately, I’ve not seen my name on the voters’ register. Originally, my polling unit was at the health care centre. A few days before the election, I got a text from INEC that I’d been reassigned to a less congested polling unit. Getting here, I’ve checked everywhere, and I can’t find my name up till now. 

“I don’t even know whether or not I will be able to vote. The whole system is not just well organized at all.”

Similarly, Kafayat Hameed ran to The ICIR reporter, pleading for help. She had thought he was an INEC official.

Mrs Hameed had moved to three polling units to check for her name. 

According to her, she had always voted at the polling unit where the reporter met her. But getting to the EC 30 C polling unit in Kwali town, she couldn’t find her name.

The ICIR reports that the Electoral Act requires registered voters to check their names which INEC must have pasted in conspicuous places at the polling centre before the election day.

Meanwhile, The ICIR observed that hundreds of people were at various polling units at the two area councils.

Some of the polling units visited by the reporter in Gwagwalada as of the time of filing this report are Gadonasco polling units 1 – 9, and University Staff Quarters polling units 020, 021, and 022. 

Also, in Kwali, The ICIR was at EC 30B, EC 30C, EC 30, among others. 

There were a few complaints of BVAS failures, but The ICIR could not independently verify such.

Queues were too long in many polling centres visited by the reporter.

What appears shocking in the voters’ distribution by INEC is that while there were nearly 400 registered voters at EC 30 A and EC 30 B, The ICIR met only about a dozen at EC 30 C. The centres faced each other on a major road within Kwali town.

The hitches notwithstanding, the exercise has generally been peaceful, as security officials, including soldiers, ensured a crisis-free election.

The ICIR published how the FCT residents made panic fuel buying and searched for Naira on Friday.

According to INEC, there are 1,570,307 registered voters in the FCT. Number of PVC collected is 1476,451, giving 94.0 per cent of registered voters. The number of uncollected PVC is 93,868, being 6.0 per cent of registered voters.

A total of 93,469,008 were registered for the poll, out of which 87,209,007 have collected their PVC.

Four leading presidential candidates are Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwanso of the New Nigeria’s Peoples Party (NNPP).

Atiku votes in Adamawa, says he will win presidential election

Mustapha USMAN
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Atiku votes in Adamawa, says he will win presidential election

PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has cast his vote in his hometown in Adamawa State.

Speaking after voting, Atiku said he is optimistic of emerging victorious at the end of the exercise.

Atiku voted at the polling unit in Ajiya 02, in Gwadabawa Ward, Yola North Local Government of Adamawa State.

He is contesting for the position of Nigeria’s President with 17 other candidates.

The former Vice President is one of four leading candidates vying to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote, Atiku commended INEC while also expressing optimism that the process will be hassle-free for voters.

He noted that the process was simple and straightforward, adding that he cast his vote without ambiguity.

“I expect that this is a more credible process and I think it is good we are improving with every election circle.

“I have cast my vote. I hope to emerge victorious. So far there is no problem with the process but we have to wait and see how the voting goes,” he said.

Similarly, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’a Party, NNPP Rabiu Kwankwaso has also cast his vote in Kano State. 

Kwankwaso cast vote around 11:40 am, shortly after arriving at the polling unit. 

BVAS fails to accredit Wike, wife in Rivers

Mustapha USMAN
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BVAS fails to accredit Wike, wife in Rivers

RIVERS State governor Nyesom Wike has expressed disappointment over the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to his polling unit.

The BVAS machine was unable to verify Wike and hus wife’s PVCs after they arrived the polling unit around 10:30 am.

Wike arrived at Polling Unit 7 in, Ward 9 in Obio/Akpor LGA with his wife, Justice Suzzette Eberechi Wike. 

He however raised concerns that the failure of the BVAS could negatively impact the election.

The ICIR gathered that the INEC adhoc staff pleaded with Wike to return and try again.

I have solution to Nigeria’s problems, Obi says as he casts his vote

Harrison EDEH
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I have solution to Nigeria’s problems, Obi says as he casts his vote

THE presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi voted at exactly 11:44 am at Polling Unit 019 Ward 2 in his home town, Agulu, in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Speaking after casting his vote in the company of his wife Margaret Obi, the LP candidate said he has solution to Nigeria’s problems.

“I have the solution to Nigeria’s problems. I am both physically and mentally prepared. I encourage all Nigerians to come out and vote. I’m ready for it, I’m prepared for it. I’m going to hit the ground running from day one and people would feel it.”

Obi commended the professionalism of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and called on them to replicate same feat across different parts of the country.

“Unless you know what is happening across the country, it may not be right to give a fair judgement of the situation but I applaud what they did at this polling unit,” he said when asked to assess the election.

Before he voted, Obi had taken a walk around his hometown, greeting people.

The elderly and the women cheered him and assured him of their support and prayers.

The ICIR observed that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) visited Obi’s polling unit for a spontaneous check of possible vote buying.

The elderly and the women who trooped out to cast their votes expressed enthusiasm satisfaction with the exercise.

Accreditation and voting is happening concurrently at the polling unit .

The exercise has so far been hitch-free with the INEC officials assisting the elderly and disabled.

Large voter turnout, late arrival of INEC officials in South-West

Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU
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Large voter turnout, late arrival of INEC officials in South-West

THERE is relative calmness and an impressive turnout of voters as Nigeria’s presidential and parliamentary elections are held across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday.

The South-West region comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states have a total of 18,332,191 eligible voters and the 2023 general elections is arguably one of the most anticipated since the country returned to democracy in 1999.

Voting was expected to commence at 8:30 am, but late commencement due to delay in the arrival of officials was widespread in the South-West region and in polling unit 026/Ward 2 in Ifakojaiye Lagos state, accreditation and voting began in the absence of security personnel.

Although in many of the Polling Units monitored voters are expected to join the queue and wait their turn to ensure that the exercise is conducted in an orderly manner, consideration was being given to nursing mothers, the physically challenged and aged.

At PU003/Ward 6 in Osun State, two visually impaired persons successfully cast their votes using the Braille ballot guide for the blind.

Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, voted alongside his wife, Remi, and other party chieftains at a polling unit in Bourdillion, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Tinubu said he was satisfied with the process and that he was “too confident of victory”, adding that “democracy is here to stay”.

Gunshots were reportedly heard around PU002/Ward 04 Atelewo in Olorunda Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State at about 10:36 am, but it is not immediately clear what triggered that or if anyone was affected.

According to INEC, voting will end at 2:30 pm. However, any voter on the queue before 2:30 pm would be allowed to vote even after the official closing time, as the Commission has assured that no voter would be disenfranchised.

INEC should improve on distribution of electoral materials – Jonathan

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
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INEC should improve on distribution of electoral materials – Jonathan

FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has said that there is the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve on the distribution of electoral materials across the country.

Jonathan spoke after casting his vote at Polling Unit 39, Ward 13 at Otueke, Bayelsa State.

The former President voted alongside his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay in the distribution of electoral materials, he said: “The only thing I request from INEC is that in terms of distribution of materials they should improve. For a place like Bayelsa State where we have only 105 wards before 8:30 am electoral materials should be on the ground.

“I have been observing elections in other countries. In most cases everything will be ready 30 minutes before the voting time including the voters.”

Jonathan stressed that the BVAS is an improvement on the card readers.

“I believe there are a lot of improvements. We can still have more improvements and I believe it is a significant improvement.”

He however, advised politicians across the country to ensure a violent, free, fair and credible election.

“Politicians should know that nobody owns this country and their ambition does not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” the former President added.

Ortom casts vote in Benue

Beloved JOHN
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Ortom casts vote in Benue

BENUE state governor Samuel Ortom has cast his vote in the ongoing Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Ortom voted at Polling Unit 16, Tse-Ortom, Mzondu Ward, at 10:04 am.

It would be recalled that the governor had openly declared support for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s presidential bid last Thursday.

Ortom also campaigned for Obi, urging Nigerians to vote for the Labour Party candidate.

Ortom is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is serving his second term as governor and vying for the Benue North-west Senatorial District seat.

I’m very confident I’ll win the presidential election – Tinubu 

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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I’m very confident I’ll win the presidential election – Tinubu 
THE candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ongoing Presidential and National Assembly elections, Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence he will win the 2023 presidential poll. 
He disclosed this during an interview shortly after casting his vote at Ikeja Ward 3, Polling Unit 085, Kafi Street, Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State.

 

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The APC chieftain said he had attended several meetings, reached out to different interest groups across the country to ensure he secured a favourable support ahead of today’s election.
“I am very confident i can win this election,” he said.
When asked if he was willing to accept defeat, and work with other political parties, if he possibly lost the poll, he simply responded he had worked hard, transversing different parts of the country.
“I moved across the 36 states. I worked hard for it. I attended City Hall meetings, town hall meetings, to meet various interest groups.
“I have attended to their requests. And I have worked harder than any other candidate in this election.”
Tinubu is one of the four major presidential candidates contesting for the presidential seat. Others are Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Rabiu Kwakwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the former Vice President, and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo.
Meanwhile, many have criticised Tinubu for indicating interest as a presidential candidate, despite his health condition and old age. But, the former Lagos state governor insisted he has the right to vote and be voted for.
The ICIR had earlier observed late commencement of voting exercise due to arrival of the INEC officials and election materials.
However, Tinubu cast his vote at about 10:30am.

INEC gives priority to elderly persons, pregnant women, PLWDs

Mustapha USMAN
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INEC gives priority to elderly persons, pregnant women, PLWDs

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given pregnant women, aged people, the sick and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) the priority to vote early in the ongoing Presidential and National Assembly elections.

As observed by The ICIR reporters, most voters who fall into the categories did not join queue and were allowed to cast their votes by the INEC adhoc staff.

In Polling Unit 001, Ward 11 of Obatiwajuoye Area 1, Offa Local Government Area, Kwara South, consideration was given to elderly persons, pregnant women, and PLWDs. Priority was also given to elderly persons, nursing mothers, and people with disabilities at Polling Unit 003, Ward 008 of OJumu Central 11 of Offa LGA.

Also, at Polling Unit 004, Ward 02 ALkhali Mustapha of Kotangora Local Government, Niger North, preference was given to elderly persons, pregnant women and nursing mothers to cast their votes.

Similarly, in Ajanaku LGA of Kogi State, priority was given to elderly, the disabled and pregnant women.

The ICIR observed that in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, elderly persons and PLWDs are being considered first by INEC adhoc staff.

It would be recalled that INEC had, on February 16, disclosed that it has taken congnizance of older persons and their peculiarities during a Media and CSO Roundtable on the 2023 Elections with the theme ‘Avoiding Landmines, Overcoming Obstacles and Conducting Credible Elections’.

He said “The pictures of elderly people you will agree with me that as you grow old, as you age, sometimes your features may start changing.

ICIR launches online trivia game to checkmate spread of misinformation

Faith ABEKA
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ICIR launches online trivia game to checkmate spread of misinformation

The International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has launched an online trivia game to checkmate the spread of misinformation during the 2023 general election.

A press release signed by the Editor, ICIR, Victoria Bamas, disclosed that the game portal was launched on Monday, February 20, to enable Nigerians checkmate election misinformation and disinformation in an exciting but educative manner.

The ICIR is an independent, non profit news agency with a mission to promote good governance, transparency and accountability through balanced and objective investigative reporting.

The Editor, FactCheckHub, Opeyemi Kehinde, said the online trivia game will help the public to identify and avoid sharing false information.

“As the election approaches, one of the issues of great concern in the civic space is the proliferation of false information.

“During the election season, there has always been an increase in misinformation from politicians and their supporters aimed at discrediting opposition candidates or parties or dissuading voters.

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“The trivia game launched for the public this week will help the Nigerian public to be able to identify election misinformation spreading on various social networks, thus helping them to avoid sharing such false information and providing them with accurate information on their voting rights for election day,” Kehinde stated.

According to data retrieved from the game platform, players agree that the ‘answer’ statements were reliable.

Since the distribution of the game commenced on Monday, it has reached 951 players with 489 players completing the game in full.

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