As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had planned to kickstart the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise on Monday in preparation for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, an unexpected setback has arisen – several machines intended for the exercise have been damaged by flood.
It was announced last week by INEC that the CVR would begin on May 27, 2024, to register eligible voters aged 18 and above and allow for the transfer of Permanent Voters Cards to desired locations.
According to a statement by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the flood, caused by heavy rainfall in Benin City on Friday night, led to the destruction of these vital machines at the commission’s headquarters there.
Information about the incident was promptly relayed to INEC’s National Headquarters in Abuja by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha.
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha reported: “Our State Headquarters in Benin City was completely flooded after the intense rainfall on Friday, May 24, 2024. Some of the voter enrollment machines already set up for the upcoming CVR have been affected.”
Initial assessments revealed damage to a portion of the building, with various items, including vehicles, furniture, and equipment, being submerged.
In response to the situation, Olumekun announced that the state headquarters would be temporarily moved to Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area to serve as a registration center as planned. Additionally, INEC is arranging for the delivery of additional machines from neighboring states to compensate for the loss.
Assuring the public, Olumekun stated that despite the challenges, INEC is committed to ensuring that the CVR proceeds on schedule in all 192 wards across Edo State on Monday.