INEC speaks on extending voting time

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Saturday, stated that there will be no extension of voting time in the Governorship, State Houses of Assembly and FCT Area Council elections, following an early commencement of the polls nationwide.

Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said this while briefing newsmen in the INEC national situation room in Abuja.

Okoye said that INEC was pleased to report that the electoral process started as scheduled and that the Smart Card Reader proved its functionality and efficiency by successfully authenticating voters within a short time at polling units across the country.

According to him, most polling units were opened for accreditation by 8 am.

He said the commission would investigate and report to security agencies, security challenges experienced by some states for necessary action.

Okoye said the commission had not received any report on cases of underage voting in this year’s elections.

Speaking on the low turnout of voters in the FCT, Okoye said the commission would take a decision on voter apathy.

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