Delays Hit Multiple Polling Units As Frustrated Voters Demand INEC Action
Voting in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election has been marred by widespread BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) malfunctions, causing significant delays across polling units in Onitsha North, Onitsha South, and Nkpor areas.
As early as 8:30 a.m., voters had gathered in large numbers, eager to cast their ballots — but many were left stranded for hours as the BVAS machines failed to authenticate fingerprints or facial data.
“We have been here since 7 a.m., and not one person has voted,” said Mrs. Ngozi Okafor, a trader at Odoakpu ward. “The BVAS keeps rejecting us — even INEC staff don’t know what to do.”
⚙️ INEC Officials Struggle to Fix Technical Glitches
Field officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that the BVAS devices experienced both network and configuration issues, preventing proper voter accreditation.
Some officials resorted to manual recording while awaiting replacements from the local government collation center.
“The machines were tested last night and worked fine,” an INEC ad-hoc staff member said. “But this morning, the network began fluctuating and the system froze.”
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra, Dr. Queen Nwafor, acknowledged the issue, assuring voters that technical teams were being deployed to restore the process.
🧍🏽♂️ Frustration Builds Among Voters
The delays triggered growing tension in several polling units. Some voters chanted slogans demanding that INEC extend voting hours, while others threatened to boycott the election if the issues persisted.
Security operatives, including police and civil defense officers, were seen appealing for calm.
“People are angry, but they have not turned violent yet,” said a youth observer with Yiaga Africa. “The concern is that these glitches could discourage participation.”
🗳️ Political Parties React
Representatives of major political parties — including the APGA, Labour Party, and APC — expressed concern over the technical challenges.
Labour Party’s collation agent for Onitsha North accused INEC of poor preparation:
“This is not the first time BVAS is failing. Why hasn’t INEC learned from past elections?”
Meanwhile, the APC campaign office urged supporters to remain patient and avoid any actions that could disrupt the peace.
📡 Nationwide Attention
The #AnambraDecides2025 hashtag has since begun trending on social media, with thousands of Nigerians posting photos and videos of long queues, idle BVAS machines, and frustrated voters.
Observers from the EU Mission and CLEEN Foundation have also documented several technical incidents, calling for transparency in INEC’s handling of the glitches.
🧾 INEC’s Response
In an afternoon statement, INEC headquarters in Abuja said:
“Our technical teams are working to resolve BVAS connectivity challenges in certain parts of Anambra. We assure all voters that no one will be disenfranchised — voting time will be extended where necessary.”
The commission also appealed to voters to remain peaceful and allow officials to perform their duties.
🕓 The Bottom Line
The BVAS disruptions in Onitsha highlight continuing challenges with Nigeria’s digital election infrastructure — despite repeated assurances of system improvements.
Analysts warn that without swift intervention, the malfunction could undermine voter confidence and fuel post-election disputes.
For now, thousands remain in queues, hoping that their votes will still count.
📰 Full Story Developing…
Follow #AnambraDecides2025 for live updates as INEC battles BVAS failures across the state.
#BreakingNews #NigeriaVotes #AnambraDecides2025 #INEC #BVAS #ElectionDay #Democracy
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