The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday, said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines deployed for the elections were functioning optimally.
Yakubu revealed this at a media briefing on the election in Abuja.
He blamed perennial logistics problems and insecurity for the late arrival of officials, machines and other materials.
He said: “The BVAS accreditation system deployed nationwide for the first time has been functioning optimally in most parts of the country. We hear less and less of complaints about the functionality of the BVAS.
“So, based on the reports that we have received from the various states of the federation, and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, some challenges were identified. One of which is the inability of the commission, in a number of places, to open the polling units at the appointed time.
“Some of the polling units opened late, but in line with our policy, any Nigerian who is on the queue will have the opportunity to vote, no matter how long it takes, until the last person on the queue before 2.30p.m., votes.
“ I think in 2023, we have conquered the challenge of getting election materials to various locations. Yes, there may be complaints here and there, but generally speaking, we were able to deliver hundreds of millions of ballot papers and sheets that were supposed to be delivered for the election.
“Another contributing factor to the late opening of the polling units is actually the perennial insecurity in the country.”
