Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Saturday, August 16, 2025, participated in the Edo Central Senatorial By-election, expressing dissatisfaction with the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Okpebholo arrived at Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area at about 9:45 a.m., completed accreditation, and cast his ballot at 9:52 a.m.
Speaking to journalists shortly after voting, the governor noted that while the process was generally peaceful, the BVAS machines deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were causing delays.
“Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration. The BVAS is just too slow. It takes too long before you can get accredited. I think INEC needs to look into this. So far, so good, the feelers I’m getting are good,” he said.
Also voting at the same unit, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady commended INEC for ensuring a smooth and peaceful exercise. She encouraged voters to turn out in large numbers and safeguard their votes.
“This is my village, Udomi. So far, so good, the process has been smooth as people are coming out to vote. This is a by-election to fill the space vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo. Everything is going well. The agents are here, INEC is doing well. I urge the voters to vote well and stay to defend their votes as we are practicing democracy,” she said.
Meanwhile, reports from polling units across Irrua and Uromi indicated that accreditation began promptly at 8 a.m., with voters arriving early to exercise their franchise.
At Eguare Primary School, Irrua, a voter, Mr. Frank Obehi, described the process as seamless after casting his vote at 8:37 a.m.
The Edo Central Senatorial By-election was necessitated by the vacancy created following Governor Okpebholo’s election as Governor of Edo State.
