Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo, has expressed concerns about the non-functioning bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) machines at his polling unit.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday at unit 5, ward 11, at Azama Primary School in Estako west LGA of the state, Shaibu expressed optimism that the electoral officers would change the BVAS.
“Actually, we talked to the INEC people and the supervisor especially, and she assured us that the BVAS will work and that they have backup. So, we are waiting for the backup, and we are still here. And maybe it’s sabotage; I don’t know. But every other place is calm, apart from here. And here is the major place.
“This polling unit has the highest number of people. You can see the crowd there. But they have assured us that when the BVAS come, they will extend the time.
“I think we have to calm down. In this election, we must vote, we must vote, and we can see that we have to get a better canopy for them to stay in the shade.
“So, I’m optimistic that they will fix it. I think because the guy just came now and told us that they have an issue with that one. They want to get back on it.
“So, we are with so many voters and likely to win this election. I think about 2,000 voters are here. Well, I don’t want to be in a hurry to give it a name because, as you can see, the lady was sweating.
“And you can see she’s making an effort. So, I want to believe that that effort is genuine. So, that’s why I don’t want to give it a name. If every other area is working, maybe the technology is working. So, I don’t want to give it a name.
“But they have assured us that and assured this crowd that when they fix it, they will extend the time for voting. I think that is what normally happens when it is like this. When they fix it, they will extend the time for voting.”
