Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed a mini revolution in 2015 – with the introduction of electronic card readers used to vote in the general elections.
Although there were recorded incidences of card reader failure in some parts of the country, many Nigerians agreed it was a huge success, as it helped to significantly reduce the incidences of election rigging and other malpractices.
Subsequent elections have seen the card reader become a main stay.
Unfortunately, it appears there are possibilities of a repeat of card reader failures.
This is because no less than 56 out of 3,882 card readers have failed to capture the people’s data in Kebbi state when they were tested.
The Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Electoral and Political Parties Matters, Alhaji Zakari Angulu, said this in Birnin Kebbi.
Angulu spoke when his committee visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state on an oversight function.
He said that the visit was to find out the level of INEC’s preparedness ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“What we have observed is that INEC is trying in terms of providing Permanent Voter Cards and other election facilities despite the 56 card readers that failed the test out of 3,882,” he said.
Angulu explained that the remaining card readers were okay to be used for the 2019 elections despite the little challenges observed.
“The state still has enough time to be fully prepared.
“ With what I saw on ground, I am very impressed.
“I also want to conclude that they still have room to meet up but that will be left for INEC’s national office to take up and address,” he said.
He said that from the committee’s findings, the commission still have sufficient materials that could be used for the 2019 elections in the state.