A’Ibom rerun: Ikono experiences a large turnout and heavy security due to the late arrival of election materials

There is a significant turnout of voters and security personnel at unit two and 14 of ward 11, in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State where the rerun election for a House of Representatives seat is being held.

At 9:20 am, election materials and INEC officials had not yet arrived, but the police, Army, EFCC, NSCDC, and the voters were patiently waiting for the exercise to begin.

Mrs. Mildness David, the presiding officer for unit 2 at Holy Child Primary School in Ikono, explained that the late accreditation was due to a lack of vehicles to transport the electoral materials.

She stated, “Our challenge was that there were no vehicles available to transport the election materials to this location.” Goddy Umoh, a former Commissioner for Economic Development in the state, praised the voters for turning out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.

He remarked, “The voting strength in this unit (unit 002, ward 11) is slightly above 1000, and yet the turnout is impressive. There is no sign of voter apathy. It is truly commendable.”