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Theft

BVAS Machines Go Missing Again at INEC Akwa Ibom State Office

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State is facing concerns over the disappearance of hundreds of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, raising fears that the machines may stall the upcoming voter registration exercise. The incidents occurred within a span of three weeks, with no official explanation from the commission, despite a police investigation. The new resident electoral commissioner (REC), Mr. Obo Effanga, had assured of a hitch-free exercise, but officials are now lamenting the process could be hampered by a shortage of vital facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BVAS machines went missing on two separate occasions within a span of three weeks, with no official explanation from INEC.
  • The incidents occurred at the Akwa Ibom State office of INEC, located at Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo.
  • A police investigation is reportedly ongoing, but officials are still waiting for the commission to make an official statement on the matter.
  • The head of the Information and Communication (ICT), Mr. Cosmos Ezeoha, confirmed the incidents and expressed disappointment that he was not allowed to speak officially on the matter.
  • A member of the INEC media team, Mr. Etim Bassey, said he was not authorized or qualified to speak on the matter.
  • The head of Administration, Mrs. Eme Akpa, was evasive, but it was later discovered that she had been transferred out of the state.
  • Officials are expressing anger and apprehension over the situation, and there are concerns that the missing machines may affect the planned voter registration exercise.

Statistics:

  • Two separate incidents of BVAS machine disappearance within a span of three weeks.
  • Hundreds of BVAS machines are missing.
  • August 18, 2025, is slated for online continuous voter registration.
  • August 25, 2025, is slated for in-person registration of would-be voters.
  • 2027 is the year for off-season and general elections.

Sources:

  • LEADERSHIP (no publication date mentioned)
  • Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

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