Some lawyers have criticized the open display of ballot papers by Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom after casting their votes for their preferred candidates in the presidential and National Assembly elections.
One lawyer, Babatunde Fashanu, said that the President’s act was wrong because the exercise was a secret balloting.
However, Chief Niyi Akintola argued that the display of the ballot paper would not affect the elections, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s regulations and rules were quoted but not substantial compliance.
Mike Ozekhome described the acts by the President and the governor as illegal, noting that according to the Electoral Act, a voter cannot display the person he or she voted for.
