Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Saturday’s poll cast his vote after waiting for more than five hours.
He voted at 5.10 p.m at Isuofia Ward 13, Unit 002 in Aguata Local Government Area.
Soludo came to the polling unit, located at Afiyi Square, at about 11.30a.m. but was not able to vote because the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed to capture him.
The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accreditation of voters suffered a setback at about 10.30a.m., when the BVAS began to malfunction.
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At about 2p.m., only 18 persons that were successfully accredited could cast their vote.
Interestingly, accreditation began without hitches around 4.05p.m., when a new BVAS was deployed in the polling unit.
After casting his vote, Soludo commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts to ensure a peaceful and smooth electoral process.
“I told you I’m an optimist, which is why I waited for over five hours, 40 minutes because I believe INEC will come through.
“You can also see that in spite of the delay, our people waited patiently and are so determined to cast their votes, no matter the time.
“That is to show you that APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA.
“I believe the will of God will prevail, no matter the delay. APGA will win.
“I look forward to the credibility and legitimacy of the process.
“I also believe we have the popular mandate of the people and I believe the system will deliver at the end of the day,” he said.
Soludo commended the people and his supporters for maintaining calm and peace, in spite of the logistics challenges.
Meanwhile, counting of votes has commenced at PU 002 Ward 01, Ekwulu Village Hall, Umuona and PUs 004, 005, 006 and 007.
Also at PU 014 and 013 Ward 001 in Community High School, Nanka in Orumba North LGA, voting was still in progress as at 5p.m. (NAN)