Plateau LG Poll: Voting Extended Amid Hitches

• The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission extended voting hours until 5 p.m. due to delays in election materials and ad-hoc staff
• Despite the extension, voter turnout was low, with some residents expressing frustration over perceived electoral futility and the ruling party’s advantage

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) extended voting hours in the local government elections yesterday due to delays in the arrival of election materials in several polling units.

Voting, originally scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., was extended until 5 p.m. to ensure eligible voters across the 17 local government areas could vote.

The delays, with some materials and ad-hoc staff arriving as late as 11 a.m., frustrated party agents and voters. PLASIEC responded by addressing the issues and extending voting time.

The commission also acknowledged technical problems with the Voter Accreditation Software (VVS) and allowed the use of manual voting registers in affected polling units.

Despite these efforts, voter turnout remained significantly low in several areas. PLASIEC officials waited at polling units where many voters chose to stay away. Umar Abdullahi, a resident of Jos, explained his lack of participation, saying, “Voting is a waste of time because the ruling party will win regardless.”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, after casting his vote in Mangu Local Government Area, described the election as peaceful and well-organized. He praised PLASIEC for ensuring a credible process and observed voters enthusiastically heading to polling stations.

Meanwhile, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South and a former governor, urged voters to remain vigilant after casting their votes.

Although Lalong acknowledged challenges, such as card reader failures and ballot paper shortages in some areas, he expressed confidence in the process’s fairness and called on PLASIEC to maintain its neutrality.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Lalong, accused the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of attempting to manipulate the election.

APC spokesman Shittu Bamaiyi cited the late arrival of materials in areas like Jos North, Pankshin, and Shendam as evidence of an attempt to rig the outcome. PLASIEC denied these allegations, affirming its commitment to a free and fair election process.