A cross-section of the Aba electorate has rebuked the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission for its alleged poor performance in Saturday's presidential and councilor elections.
People attributed the low turnout to the late arrival of election officials and election materials at polling stations, which delayed the start of the exercise across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who followed the elections in Aba South reports that many would-be voters who came to exercise their right to vote became frustrated and left after waiting several hours without officials present. electoral.
In Ngwa Ward 4, materials were delivered at around 4:10 pm and accreditation and voting began at around 4:38 pm.
Some voters, who spoke to NAN about the development, complained about the delay in the delivery of election materials and officials.
They allege that the delay was deliberate on the part of the commission.
Udochukwu Eze, a voter from the district, expressed his joy at finally casting his vote after waiting for a long time.
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“I voted in Unit 13, District 4. I thank God that the election not only took place today but was also very peaceful,” he said, adding that many had gone home after waiting so long.
Another voter, Agnes Ide, expressed dismay over the delay and called on the Abia State Government to strengthen the confidence of the people in the electoral process.
“I almost came home, and if I had left, nothing would have brought me back,” Mrs. Ide said.
NAN reports that there were no security personnel at the polling stations visited, but the exercise passed without rancor.
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Regarding the complaints, the Commissioner II, in charge of Voter Education and Enlightenment, at the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, Kelechukwu Okere, said: “It is not true that the materials arrived late at the polling booths.”
Okere told NAN that the commission made adequate arrangements for the smooth distribution of electoral materials and officials to ensure a smooth exercise.
(YAYA)