No extension of time for voting, INEC says

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday in Abuja said there would be no extension of voting time in the Governorship, State Houses of Assembly and FCT Area Council elections.

Mr Festus Okoye, an INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the INEC National Situation Room.

He said the decision was as a result of the early commencement of polls nationwide.

Okoye said INEC was pleased to report that the electoral process started as scheduled.

“The Smart Card Reader proved its functionality and efficiency by successfully authenticating voters within a short time at polling units across the country,’’ he said.

The INEC official said most polling units were opened for accreditation by 8 a.m.

He added that the commission would investigate and report to security agencies the security challenges experienced in some states for necessary action.

Okoye however 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.

Our correspondent reports that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, monitored election day activities around the FCT and the INEC office in Abuja.