Ekiti Election: BVAS Malfunctions Cause Voting Delays in Ikere

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) experienced operational failures during voting in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday, creating extended queues and frustration among voters seeking accreditation. At multiple polling units in Ward 3 and Ward 4, the electronic accreditation devices either malfunctioned entirely or operated at reduced speeds, forcing voters to remain at polling stations for extended periods.

Voters at affected locations reported waiting times exceeding two hours for the accreditation process alone. Electoral officials were observed attempting to address the technical issues in real-time, though these efforts proved insufficient to prevent significant disruptions to the voting schedule.

Voting commenced at 8:30 a.m., but the accumulation of unaccredited voters stretched the process well into the afternoon at compromised units. Dr. Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti, publicly criticized the electoral process following his experience at Osaguru Hall in Ward 3, Ikere.

Beyond the BVAS technical failures, Oluyede alleged voter intimidation and irregular security presence at the polling location, claiming armed operatives in unmarked vehicles were stationed in the area. He also referenced what he characterized as harassment of voters in neighbouring locations.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have not yet issued public statements addressing either the technical malfunctions or the candidate's allegations. The extent of the BVAS failures across other Ekiti polling units and whether they affected the overall outcome remain unclear.

The incident represents a recurring challenge with Nigeria's electronic voter accreditation infrastructure during elections.