An Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presiding officer, Blessing Egoigwe, fainted during the Anambra governorship election at polling unit 005 in Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area.
The incident occurred amid complaints from voters and confusion resulting from the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The malfunctioning BVAS and difficulty in recognizing voters’ cards of newly registered voters caused the uproar. Over 470 voters were denied the right to cast their votes at Enugwu Ukwu Community ward 2 polling unit 005.
Voters expressed frustration, with one saying, “My hope to vote for a candidate of my choice was dashed by INEC today.” The INEC official was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
The electoral body has not released an official statement on the incident. The election is ongoing, with voters casting their ballots to decide the next governor of Anambra State.
Some voters reported long queues and delays, but security agencies were present to maintain order. The process has been described as peaceful so far.
The outcome of the election is still uncertain, with 16 candidates contesting the governorship seat. Incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo is seeking re election.
