AnambraDecides2025: Accreditation Glitches Disenfranchise Elderly Voters In Njikoka Community

The governorship election in Anambra State recorded early tension in parts of Njikoka Local Government Area after the voter verification device malfunctioned, delaying accreditation for many older residents.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning at a polling station in Nimo, where dozens of senior citizens who arrived before voting commenced were unable to complete the biometric process.

Officials at the centre struggled for several hours to resolve the issue as the equipment repeatedly rejected fingerprints and facial scans of elderly voters. Many of those affected expressed frustration, noting that they had participated in several election cycles and feared being excluded in a crucial poll.

Some elderly women were seen seated under makeshift shades while waiting for electoral workers to find a solution.

The Independent National Electoral Commission personnel at the unit tried rebooting the system and switching between different authentication options, although the problem persisted for much of the morning. Party agents at the location raised concerns that the situation could discourage turnout and potentially influence results in the ward, which has a significant number of older voters.

Observers deployed by civil society groups reported similar technical setbacks in scattered polling centres across the state, though Njikoka appeared to be among the hardest hit.

A representative of one observer mission said the accreditation system was expected to improve transparency but stressed that its reliability remains essential for protecting the rights of every eligible citizen.

INEC headquarters in Awka acknowledged receiving field reports of malfunctioning devices and said backup measures were being activated where necessary.

The commission assured voters that no one would be disenfranchised due to technological challenges and noted that alternative methods would be used if machines remain unresponsive.

The delays added to wider concerns about election logistics, including late arrival of materials in some communities and overcrowding in a few units with high population density.

Many voters, including those affected in Njikoka, insisted they would remain in line until they cast their ballots.

The commission is expected to issue a comprehensive update at the close of polls, while election monitors continue tracking the impact of the disruptions on turnout and overall credibility of the exercise.