Photo File: Edo voters exercising their electoral duties

There was palpable tension and mixed reactions across Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday, following reports that polling agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were conspicuously absent in several polling units during the by-election. The development sparked concerns among voters and stakeholders, with many questioning the party’s level of preparedness and commitment to the electoral process.

It was reliably gathered that at polling units located within Oluku Primary School, Owina Primary School and Eronseyi Primary School, among others, only agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) were present to monitor proceedings. The absence of PDP representatives in these strategic locations raised eyebrows, especially as the by-election was seen as a litmus test for the party’s strength ahead of the 2024 governorship race in Edo State.

However, in a swift reaction, the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr Tony Azeigbemi, dismissed the reports, insisting that the party had adequately deployed agents across the affected areas. He maintained that the absence of agents in some polling units, if true, would not have any significant impact on the party’s performance in the election. According to him, “We have polling agents for the election. After all, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, didn’t have agents in most of the polling units, yet he won in those units.”

Meanwhile, tension escalated in Ovia South West Local Government Area, where a PDP agent was reportedly beaten by angry voters at Ozolua Model Primary School, Iguobazuwa East Ward. The agent was accused of hoarding Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a move that infuriated the electorate and led to a physical confrontation. Security operatives were said to have intervened promptly to restore order and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

In a related development, the PDP has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that security agencies remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties during elections. The party alleged that there were incidents of voter intimidation and disruption in parts of Esan Central and Ovia South West, urging the presidency to take decisive steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

As collation of results continues, political observers are closely monitoring the situation, with many awaiting the final outcome to determine the implications for the PDP and other participating parties. The absence of PDP agents in key polling units, coupled with reports of violence and voter suppression, has once again brought to the fore the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system and the urgent need for reforms.