The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, Edo State, was severely flooded following a heavy downpour on Friday, May 24, 2024.

The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday.

Olumekun confirmed that the flood caused serious damage to the building, submerging movable and immovable items, including vehicles, office furniture, and equipment.

However, the Commission said it is taking proactive measures to ensure the CVR proceeds as scheduled, with additional machines being deployed from neighbouring states to make up for the shortfall.

The statement partly reads: “Our Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, has reported that our State Headquaters in Benin City was completely flooded following a torrential rainfall yesterday Friday 24th May 2024.

“Preliminary assessment shows that the heavy downpour damaged a section of the building. Movable and immovable items were submerged, including vehicles parked at the premises as well as office furniture and equipment.

“Some of the voter enrollment machines already configured for the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration CVR are affected. However, the Commission is delivering additional machines from the neighbouring States to make up for the shortfall. We are determined to ensure that the CVR in all the 192 Wards across Edo State will proceed on Monday 27th November 2024 as scheduled.”