A’Ibom rerun: Heavy security, large turnout as election materials arrive late in Ikono

Voters and security personnel are present in significant numbers at unit two and 14 of ward 11 in Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, where a rerun election for a House of Representatives seat is underway. As of 9:20 am, election materials and INEC officials had not yet arrived, but police, army, EFCC, NSCDC operatives, and voters were patiently awaiting the start of the exercise.

The presiding officer for unit 2, Mrs. Mildness David, explained to journalists that the delayed accreditation was due to a lack of vehicles to transport electoral materials. She stated, “Our challenge was the absence of vehicles to convey the election materials to this location.”

Former Commissioner for Economic Development in the state, Goddy Umoh, praised the voters for turning out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote. He remarked, “The voting strength in this unit (unit 002, ward 11) is a little above 1000, and considering the impressive turnout, there is no sign of voter apathy. It is highly commendable.”