Ekiti Decides: Ojudu Decries BVAS Glitches, Fears Voter Disenchantment

A former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has decried the glitches recorded with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Ekiti State governorship election, expressing fears that the technical hitches could lead to voter disenchantment.

Ojudu, a prominent political figure from Ekiti State, lamented the malfunctioning of the voter accreditation devices in some polling units, warning that such challenges could discourage voters and undermine confidence in the electoral process.

He expressed concern that the BVAS glitches, which reportedly delayed the accreditation and voting process in some areas, could frustrate eligible voters and dampen the enthusiasm of the electorate.

The former presidential aide stressed that the smooth functioning of the BVAS and other electoral technologies is critical to ensuring a credible, transparent, and seamless electoral process.

Ojudu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently address the technical challenges to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their franchise without unnecessary delays.

He warned that recurring glitches with the electoral technology could erode public confidence in the system, particularly if voters are unable to cast their ballots due to the malfunctioning of the devices.

The former adviser emphasised the importance of efficient electoral processes in deepening democracy, stressing that technical failures could have negative implications for voter participation and the credibility of the polls.

He urged INEC to take proactive measures to ensure that such challenges are minimised in future elections, in order to sustain public trust and confidence in the electoral process.

The BVAS, introduced to enhance the credibility and transparency of elections, is designed to accredit voters through their biometric data, thereby curbing electoral malpractices such as multiple voting and impersonation.

However, glitches and malfunctions associated with the device have remained a recurring concern in some elections, often leading to delays and complaints from voters and stakeholders.

Ojudu reiterated the need for INEC to continuously improve on the deployment and functionality of the electoral technology to guarantee smooth and credible elections.

He expressed optimism that, despite the challenges, the will of the people of Ekiti State would prevail, urging the electorate to remain calm and patient in exercising their civic responsibility.

As the governorship election progressed, attention remained focused on the conduct of the poll and the steps taken to address the technical challenges affecting the accreditation and voting process.