Card reader rejects Ekweremadu, wife

The card reader failed to accredit several registered voters in Enugu, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and his wife.

Ekweremadu and his wife were among many prospective voters who were rejected by the card reader at a polling unit in Amachara Mpu Ward 010.



However, our correspondent observed that those rejected by the card reader filled incident forms provided by INEC officials.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, Ekweremadu observed that the card reader should have been tested in the recent by-elections before being introduced in the general elections.

“The card reader should have been tested as a pilot scheme during the by-elections.

“It is a great idea but not yet perfected,” he said.

Ekweremadu however stressed that all those with PVCs should vote, even if the card reader failed to accredit them.

He added, “The Electoral Act does not recognise card readers – anybody with PVC should vote.

“Mine was not successful but I still hope I will vote.”

At several polling centers, our correspondent observed INEC officials struggling to accredit voters, most of who ended up being rejected by the device.