Voters reject photocopy register in Ibadan

Ibadan -Accreditation of eligible voters was temporarily delayed at Olopomewa, area ward 11, unit 8 in Ibadan North West Local Government as voters refused to be accredited with a photocopy register.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the polling officer at the unit, who declined to give his name, was using a black and white print out of the voter register to accredit the voters.

The incident happened between 8.45 a.m and 9.15 a.m. at the popular Maximal Hotel in Eleyele area of the local government.

The voters argued that coloured print-out of the registers were used in the previous two elections, wondering why the INEC would now use a “photocopy” for this election.

However, when NAN called the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ayo Adakeja, he said that the black and white print-out register was still valid but promised that coloured one would be sent to the unit immediately to reassure the voters.

Meanwhile, INEC and security men arrived early at Alakiia, Papa, and Isebo units 5, 11, 8 and 9 Egbeda ward 10 and accreditation started early.

Early turnout of eligible voters was noticed in units 18, 24, and 28 ward 9 of Ibadan North East, INEC reports early but security presence is inadequate while turnout was impressive.

NAN also reports that at Ibadan North Local Government, ward 5 unit 1, accreditation started exactly at 8 a.m. but without huge turnout of voters.

As at 9.30, the polling officer said only 40 people have been accredited.

At Ibadan South West accreditation began as scheduled in most units in Oke-Ado, but as at 9 am, there was no INEC staff at Unit 2 inside St James Pry School, Oke Ado and Unit 7 inside Oke Ado Market both in ward 10.

 NAN reports that at unit 7 a.m., only two observers were present but voters at the two units said they would not be deterred as they form queue, waiting for the arrival of INEC officers.

By 9.42 a.m. at Inalende Market, Mokola, in Ibadan North West, market women were seen by the road side selling pepper and tomato and vegetable while some merrymakers were found drinking in beer parlours.

At Ibadan North West, ward 7, unit 5 and 6, accreditation commenced at 8.30 a.m., turnout was high and security officials were also impressive.

Meanwhile, The Commissioner of Police. Mr Hashimu Argungu, said that election process was peaceful and orderly so far and commended INEC and voters for being  law abiding.