Obidient Movement Alleges IREV Glitch in FCT Council Elections, Calls for Vigilance
The Obidient movement has raised fresh concerns over a reported malfunction of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Results Viewing Portal (IREV), alleging that results uploaded from several polling units are not appearing on the server. This alert comes as voting continues across the six Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area councils, including Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali, where residents are electing chairmen and councillors in a key test of grassroots political engagement.
Obidient Movement Calls for Vigilance and Monitoring
In a statement issued on Saturday titled “Alert from the Obidient Movement Headquarters,” Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, urged supporters and Nigerians to closely monitor the collation process. The statement read, “Information reaching us indicates that the IREV server is active but not displaying results that were reportedly uploaded successfully from various polling units.” Dr Tanko emphasized the need for vigilance, encouraging all Obidients and Nigerians to remain alert and, if necessary, proceed peacefully to the Area 10 INEC office and Karu for the collation process to observe developments closely.
The statement further advised, “Ensure that you have the accurate results from your respective polling units for proper verification. Let us remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process through peaceful and lawful means.” This call to action highlights the movement’s focus on ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral proceedings.
IREV Designed to Enhance Electoral Transparency
The Results Viewing Portal (IREV), introduced by INEC, is intended to increase transparency by allowing the public to view polling unit results uploaded directly from the field in real time. This system aims to bolster confidence in the electoral process by providing immediate access to verified results. However, the alleged technical glitch has raised questions about its reliability during the ongoing FCT elections.
As of press time, INEC had not issued an official response to the concerns raised by the Obidient Movement regarding the reported malfunction. This lack of immediate comment has fueled speculation and heightened attention from observers and political stakeholders, who are closely watching for updates on the collation and announcement of results.
Heightened Scrutiny in FCT Elections
The development has sparked increased scrutiny from election monitors and political actors, underscoring the significance of the FCT area council elections as a barometer for democratic engagement at the local level. With results pending and allegations of technical issues, stakeholders are calling for swift resolution to maintain public trust. The Obidient movement’s alert serves as a reminder of the critical role technology plays in modern elections and the need for robust systems to prevent discrepancies.
Observers note that any delays or irregularities in the IREV portal could impact the perceived legitimacy of the election outcomes, making it imperative for INEC to address these concerns promptly. The situation continues to evolve, with many awaiting further developments as collation progresses across the FCT.
