Tension and confusion marred Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election when an INEC presiding officer fainted amid voting chaos at Polling Unit 005, Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Miss Blessing Egoigwe collapsed after a crowd of over 470 voters grew restless over malfunctioning BVAS machines that failed to recognize voters’ cards, particularly those of newly registered citizens.
The officer was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
The voting disruption left many residents frustrated and unable to exercise their constitutional right.
“My hope to vote for a candidate of my choice was dashed by INEC today,” said Miss Blessing Okoye, an 18-year-old first-time voter, who could not cast her ballot due to the BVAS failing to capture her fingerprint. “I felt demoralised and appeal to the electoral body to improve the system.”
Similarly, Mrs Ifeoma Iloeze, a 55-year-old voter, lamented her inability to vote despite waiting all day.
“I was unable to vote after waiting since morning till 6:29 p.m., because the BVAS failed to capture my face,” she said. “The experience was painful. An alternative voting system should be in place for future elections, as it is sad to be denied the right to vote.”
NAN further reports that an INEC technician was dispatched to address the situation, but the problem persisted, leaving voters frustrated and the presiding officer incapacitated.
The incident highlights concerns over electoral technology failures and their impact on the credibility of Nigeria’s elections, especially in high-stakes states like Anambra.
