Mixed reactions have trailed the just concluded electoral exercise in Edo state, with various reports of electoral gadgets malfunctioning, claims of vote-buying, and pockets of palpable chaos nipped in the bud.
The Edo State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the ongoing election, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, expressed disappointment over the failure of card readers in several wards across the state.
Obaseki, who spoke to journalists shortly after casting his vote on Saturday in Oredo Local Government Area, noted that after spending several hours on the queue due to card reader issues, the failure of the card readers shows the unpreparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
BO News correspondent in Edo State, Blessing Oladunjoye reported that there was a card reader malfunction at Uwelu Secondary School, Uwelu community and voters had to remain on the queue to ensure they are able to cast their vote even while voting had closed in other centres.
How ever, a blind voter was able to access braille ballot guide to enable him exercise his franchise in Ward 5, Oredo LGA of Edo State.
Likewise, there were other reports of vote buying at Ward 6, Owan East LGA and young girls were being used as vote buyers in Akoko-Edo of Edo State.
Also in Unit 5 and 6, Uwelu Secondary school at Egor Local government, there were reports of voters’ inducements by party agents.