Flood Damage Delays Gubernatorial Election Preparations
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended voter registration in Edo State on July 18, 2025, due to flooding that damaged facilities in 12 local government areas. The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, launched for the September 2025 gubernatorial election, recorded 45,000 registrants before the suspension.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, announced that registration would resume on July 25 after repairs to centers in Benin City, Ikpoba-Okha, and Etsako West. The commission deployed mobile registration units to rural areas to ensure inclusivity, offering services to update voter records and replace lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Onuoha urged residents to remain patient, assuring them of INEC’s commitment to a credible election.
The flooding, caused by heavy rains, delayed the publication of Edo’s voter register, now scheduled for August 10. INEC coordinated with the Edo State Government to provide relief to affected communities, ensuring access to registration centers. The state government pledged N50 million to support repairs, with Governor Godwin Obaseki inspecting damaged facilities. The suspension has raised concerns about voter participation, as Edo’s election is a key indicator for Nigeria’s 2027 polls.
INEC’s focus on inclusivity includes deploying officials to assist persons with disabilities at community centers. The commission’s response highlights its efforts to overcome logistical challenges, addressing past criticisms of voter access in Nigeria’s electoral system.
