Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, participated in the Edo Central Senatorial By-election, raising concerns over delays caused by the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Governor Okpebholo arrived at his polling unit—Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area—at about 9:45 a.m. and was accredited shortly before casting his vote at exactly 9:52 a.m.
Addressing journalists after voting, the governor acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election but faulted the slow pace of the accreditation process.
“I just voted, and you could see the frustration. The BVAS system is too slow; it takes too long to get accredited. INEC needs to look into this urgently. That said, the reports I’ve been receiving from across the district are encouraging,” Governor Okpebholo said.
Also casting her ballot at the same polling unit was the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, who praised the atmosphere of calm and civic responsibility. She encouraged voters to participate actively and safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
“This is my home—Udomi—and the turnout has been impressive. The process is peaceful, INEC officials and agents are on ground, and everything is going well,” she said. “I urge voters to vote wisely and stay behind to defend their votes. That’s how democracy thrives.”
Reports from across Edo Central, including key towns like Irrua and Uromi, indicated early commencement of accreditation at most polling units. At Eguare Primary School in Irrua, Mr. Frank Obehi cast his vote at 8:37 a.m. and described the process as smooth and orderly.
The by-election is being held to fill the vacant senatorial seat left by Governor Okpebholo following his emergence as the Governor of Edo State. With a relatively peaceful atmosphere and encouraging voter turnout, the election marks another key moment in the state’s evolving political landscape.
