Investigate late deployment of election materials, other irregularities —Yiaga Africa tells INEC 

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Nigeria’s forefront election observer, Yiaga Africa Watching the Vote has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the reasons responsible for the late deployment of election materials and personnel including the late activation of the Registration Area Centers (RACs). Cases of breach of contractual obligations by transport workers should be met with sanctions.

The Chair, Yiaga Africa Watching The Vote, Dr Hussaini Abdu and Executive Director, Yiaga Africa , Samson Itodo while briefing media at the mid-day Situational Press Statement on the ongoing Presidential Election said INEC should implement its guidelines on cases where elections will hold the next day.

They said where the Commission reschedules election to the following day, it should publish the comprehensive list of affected polling units on its online and offline platforms timeously.

They said they should ensure timely response to issues raised at polling units such as malfunctioning of the BVAS, location of polling units.

“Ensure Compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines: Yiaga Africa calls on INEC polling officials to ensure strict compliance with the electoral guidelines, especially in the usage of BVAS to accredit voters and the upload polling unit results on the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).

” Publication of Polling Units Data of PVCs Collected: INEC should fulfil its commitment to release the polling unit level data on collected PVC on its website. Yiaga Africa notes that INEC is yet to release the comprehensive data of collected PVC per polling unit,” they said .

They commended the Nigerian people for their resilience and commitment to vote in this election and urged voters to remain patient and vigilant to ensure their votes count.

They observed that access to polling units: In 31% of polling units, individuals had to climb steps or cross over gutters to access the polling units, which made it difficult for persons with disability.

“As of 1:00 pm, the Yiaga Africa WTV Data Center had also received 40 verified critical incident reports primarily concerning the late opening of polls,” they said.