Fatai Jimoh, Person with disability getting accredited at ward 4, polling unit 24, Oredo LGA. on September 21, 2024 in Edo State. Photo Credit: Gabriel Ameh/ The Sight News
By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Press Corps members and other journalists from various media outlets were mobilized to various areas in Edo state to ensure comprehensive coverage and observation of the electoral process of September 21, 2024.
With the stakes high and tensions palpable, the media had taken up a critical role in ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the election.
The Sight News Correspondent, Mr Gabriel Ameh, who was part of the Press Corps members, set out with others in the early hours of Saturday, September 21, 2024, to monitor the arrival of sensitive electoral materials which they reported to have arrived at most polling units on time; particularly in Oredo and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas.
The timely distribution of materials had been crucial in setting the tone for the day’s proceedings, contributing to the overall efficiency of the process.
Security personnel, including officers of the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, and Civil Defence, were visibly stationed across key polling units, providing a sense of safety and deterring potential disruptions.
Their presence helped to maintain order, with no reported incidents of ballot snatching or voter intimidation across the state. Meanwhile, there were pockets of vote buying and selling observed around ward 4 and 6 at Oredo and Ikpoba LGA.
The Sight News Correspondent witnessed the voting of the State Governor, H.E Godwin Obaseki who arrived at his polling unit at 11:35am, did his accreditation and cast his vote at about 11:45am. Thereafter, he addressed the journalist on the smooth performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and accreditation process.
Despite the smooth start, voter turnout in some areas, particularly Oredo and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas, was noticeably low in the early hours. Reports from various polling units indicated that while the process ran smoothly, the anticipated large crowds were initially absent. Some polling units had only a trickle of voters, which raised concerns about possible voter apathy or logistical challenges. However, there was a noticeable shift in momentum as the day progressed.
One major challenge faced during the election was the unexpected heavy rainfall that swept across several parts of the state. In Oredo and Ikpoba Okha, the downpour was especially severe, disrupting movement and slowing the voting process. Despite this, many voters braved the weather, arriving drenched at polling stations determined to exercise their civic duty.
The resilience of these voters highlighted the importance of the election and the commitment of the electorate to have their voices heard.
Generally, the election was marked by minimal incidents. Isolated cases of logistical delays and malfunctioning Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) were reported, but they were quickly addressed by INEC officials. Importantly, no significant cases of violence or electoral malpractice were recorded.
The journalists on ground remained vigilant, and provided real-time updates ensuring that the electoral process remained transparent. Their presence at polling units, collation centres, and across the state ensured that any developments—positive or negative—were promptly reported.
The eyes of the nation were on Edo State, and the media rose to the occasion, reinforcing its role as the guardian of democracy.
As at 9:00 pm when the INEC Press Corp members were leaving the collation centre, election results from the 18 local government areas were yet to arrive at the INEC state office.
