Slow accreditation by BVAS devices and reports of vote trading mar the voting process in several polling units as frustration mounts among voters.
The governorship election in Anambra State faced early hitches in Nnewi North Local Government Area, where voting was slowed down due to the malfunctioning and sluggish performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Reports from several polling units indicated that the device’s delay in capturing voters’ biometrics significantly hindered the smooth conduct of the election.
At Okpunegbu Hall, Umudim 1 Polling Units 018 and 021, the voting process was visibly disorganized, with frustrated voters expressing their displeasure over the slow pace of accreditation. Election monitors from the Centre for Journalism and Innovation Development (CJID) observed the chaotic scenes and confirmed that many of the polling units struggled to maintain order.
According to reports, some party agents stepped in to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in an attempt to rectify the technical problems. However, beyond the logistical setbacks, there were widespread allegations of vote-buying involving agents of major political parties.
Eyewitnesses revealed that some party representatives were openly writing down the names and voter card numbers of supporters, allegedly to facilitate payment for their votes. In several instances, voters were heard threatening to leave the polling area if they were not compensated financially.
A party agent, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that while the BVAS devices were genuinely slow, many of those gathered at the polling centers were not primarily there to cast their votes. “The BVAS machines are very slow in capturing people, but honestly, most of these people are not here to vote — they are waiting to collect money,” the agent remarked.
The situation led to tension in some areas, as the combination of technical glitches and alleged financial inducement undermined the credibility of the voting exercise. Election observers have urged INEC to urgently address the BVAS malfunctions and strengthen enforcement measures to curb electoral malpractice.
As the election progresses, concerns persist that technical and ethical irregularities could influence the outcome in key polling units across Nnewi North, casting a shadow over the transparency and integrity of the Anambra governorship poll.
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