Voting at many polling units in Lagos did not commence on time contrary to assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that it was ready and that voting would commence at 8 am.
At Marwa, Eti-Osa Local Government, Lagos State, eager voters who trooped to the center as early as 5:30 am had to wait till almost 9.30a.m before the arrival of INEC staff and electoral materials.
The Next Edition, correspondent, ASIAN NKUTT, reports that some members of the public had to lend support to the INEC officials to organize and set up so that voting could commence.
Notable among the good Samaritans was Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, who is contesting for the House of Representatives in Eti-Osa local government.
As at 11:00 am, she said accreditation was yet to commence even as more people arrived too cast their votes.
Some of them bared their minds on the delay.
Mr. Bayo Adeleke, a Consultant, said; “It shows a level of incompetence and we’re supposed to start by 8 and this is 11 and we haven’t started. Clearly we have a long way to go.”
Monday Simeon, a Musician “I’m disappointed, I left my house by 4:00am and I’m number one in the line and this is 11:00 am and nothing has happened. The people we are waiting for came late and we don’t know what’s going on in there till now. It’s really crazy.”Adun Bukola, a Nurse, said; “I’ve been here since 5:30am and getting here we wrote numbers. I’m no 23 and up till now something hasn’t started. It’s really bad. We are standing here under the sun with no seats.”
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From Okota, it was the same story.
Mrs. Onyinye Nnabuife Chucksemeka, told the Next Edition that as at 11.05a.m, INEC officials were yet to arrive at their polling center. However, she said people were waiting patiently, insisting they will cast their votes.
At the Sadiku/Atinuke polling unit, Ilasamaja, INEC officials also arrive late.
Our correspondent, Chinwe Maduagwu reports that as early as 6 a.m, eligible voters had begun to gather hoping for early accreditation and commencement of votes.
In spite of the delay, people however, remained orderly and peaceful but determined to exercise their rights.
When voting eventually commenced at about 10a.m, the elderly, pregnant women and nursing mothers were given priority as stipulated by INEC.
Mr. Tony Opara, who voted at a polling unit on 4th Avenue, Festac, told the Next Edition that voting commenced at about 10a.m at his unit, but was peaceful.
