Sequel to reported failure of card readers in most polling units across the country, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has directed that manual voting be allowed in areas where card reader failed.
According to INEC schedule, accreditation of registered voters ought to commence by 8am and end 1pm.
But, as at the close of accreditation, many voters were yet to be accredited as a result of failing card reader.
Speaking with reporters after casting his ballot at Unit 9, Ward 13, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, President Goodluck Jonathan said INEC chairman told him that he had directed the usage of manual voting where card reader failed.
President Jonathan who also had it rough getting accredited in the morning however, called on Nigerians to sympathise with INEC.
He opined that voters would have to be patient and make sacrifices so that the exercise could be credible
The President expressed hope that he would triumph in the presidential election but declined comment on if turns the other way.
On the attacks reported in some parts of Gombe, President Jonathan said it had nothing to do with the election
According to him, troops only had encounter with some of the Boko Haram members who were on the run.