'The end game is the rigging' - Slaps for INEC as it confirms loss of electoral materials, abduction of staff

Reactions have trailed the confirmation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that its Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) assigned to Registration Area – 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa was abducted.

Recall that Mr Wilfred Ifogah, Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC State Headquarters in Yenagoa confirmed the incident in the statement on Friday, November 10.

According to him, the SPO, whose name was not disclosed, was abducted while waiting to board a boat to his area of assignment at Amassoma Jetty.

Ifogah further disclosed that a boat carrying electoral personnel to Registration Area 17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, capsized, but no life was lost, as the 12 personnel and the boat operator were rescued unhurt.

He said, “We, however, lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.

“The total number of registered voters in the affected Registration Areas is 5,368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5,311. INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of election in the affected area.

“The security agencies have been notified,” Ifogah stated.

Nigerians reacted differently when the electoral body confirmed the incident on X.

Despite all the billions allocated, INEC cannot use a helicopter in 2023? Una shame Dey shame me
— ClassicMan ???????????????? (@98Classicman) November 10, 2023

here we go!!!???????????? imagine an election in nigeria without stories like this
— Chief Orji (Mba Ana Abalu Agu Anaedo)???? (@ChukwunyeluOrji) November 10, 2023

The end game is the rigging. We know it all.
Yakubu-led INEC can NEVER conduct a free and fair election.
— Levi Olaníyì Ezechukwu (@OfficialLevi_O) November 11, 2023

INEC’s biased and compromised behavior under this APC Govt has made our electoral system more like “a do or die” affair. Even worse than the dark days of PDP.

The lives of electoral officers, journalists, observers and other volunteers would be at risk.

Voters may not be spared…
— Henry O (@Uncle_Onos) November 11, 2023

Story! Story!! Story!!! Once upon a time. Time time. So inec didn't prepare for issues like this ????????????
— Sam Ed (@iam_samedoho) November 10, 2023