Following showers of rain in some parts of Edo State and some logistics hiccup the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had no option but to extend voting time in areas where the exercise commenced behind schedule.
In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed Haruna, a National Commissioner, announced that the exercise had been extended in affected areas.
“The Commission continues to monitor the ongoing governorship election in Edo State from our situation room at the National Headquarters in Abuja.
“Our monitoring indicates early commencement of polls in many Polling Units, but there are also reports of late commencement in some locations.
“To ensure that no voter is disenfranchised, the Commission wishes to reiterate that, in line with our Regulations and Guidelines, voting will be extended wherever it commenced late and will continue until the last voter on the queue who arrived at the Polling Unit by 2.30pm has voted.
“Accordingly, we have drawn the attention of our office in Edo State to ensure that, where necessary, there is adequate power supply from our back-up electric generators in the affected Polling Units or Ward Collation Centres.”