11th-Hour Delay of Nigeria’s Presidential Election Disappoints Millions

Eniola Olayemi

Voting materials did not arrive on schedule at various polling units in Umuahia and Ohuhu in the Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia.

Residents had reported in their numbers as early as 7 a.m. to wait for the arrival of INEC officials and the materials.

However, there was a heavy presence of security agents, who mounted roadblocks in strategic areas of the area.

In Umuahia, the state capital, some polling units, including the Umuahia Post Office were empty as materials had yet to arrive as at 10:30 a.m.

At Ugba Primary School, the polling unit of Sen. Theodore Orji, a one-time governor of Abia and another at Umuobasi Ugbah, voters expressed their anger that voting had yet to begin, in spite of the huge turnout of people.

A voter, Mr Monday Ariwo said that he was not comfortable with the delay by INEC officials, wondering why the materials were not deployed as expected.

He, however, urged patience and understanding.

“It has not been easy for INEC. They should have brought the materials by now because accreditation is supposed to start by 8:00 a.m. We are hopeful that very soon it will arrive, “he said.

Some youths resorted to street football as they awaited the arrival of the voting materials.