Torrential rains have caused chaos at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Benin City, flooding the building and damaging vital equipment.
The deluge, which hit on Friday, 24th May 2024, submerged vehicles, office furniture, and voter enrollment machines, throwing preparations for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) into disarray.
Despite the setback, INEC has vowed to press ahead with the CVR in all 192 Wards across Edo State on Monday, 27th May 2024, as scheduled. However, the flooded State Headquarters will be replaced by the Ikpoba Okha LGA office as the new registration centre.
A statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committees says Security agencies and emergency services have been alerted to the incident, as INEC works to minimize the damage and ensure the smooth conduct of the CVR.
This development comes as voters in the state prepare to exercise their franchise in upcoming gubernatorial election, highlighting concerns over the preparedness of the electoral commission to conduct credible polls.
