The by-election in Okura State constituency in Kogi East senatorial district was marred by voter apathy and fear of violence by thugs.
Checks by The Guardian revealed that residents in Okura Ward II were seen going about their normal individual businesses without regard for the election.
The Guardian reports that the by-election is conducted to fill the vacancy created by the death of a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Enema Paul, on Dec.14, 2024.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi, Dr Oliver Agundu, who was observed inspecting the election, noted that the low voter turnout could have been caused by the inability of politicians to effectively sensitise and mobilise voters for the by-election.
Agundu, who spoke to journalists in Ayingba on Saturday, blamed politicians for not sensitising their followers and the pockets of thuggery that scared voters.
He said, “Despite the early resumption of INEC officials for the exercise, some people of the area preferred going about their concerns rather than participating in the poll.
“To be frank, the turnout for this by-election is so low and below expectations.
“The people seem to be more mindful of their activities than taking the election seriously to elect their leaders. We have situations where political thugs waylaid INEC officials and prevented them from reaching their polling units on time for the conduct of the election.
“This is so bad for us as a nation. We should know that an election is a multi-stakeholder exercise as INEC alone can’t conduct it, especially when the people are compromised.”
He added, “Politicians must learn how to keep to their words and be committed to the promises they make as regards elections.”
The REC commended the commission’s staff for their doggedness and security operatives for their professionalism and tremendous assistance in the smooth conduct of the election.
In the areas of security, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Miller Dantawaye, said, “So far, there is no arrest of any thug or miscreant over any misconduct.”
Dantawaye noted that, despite the low turnout, the election was smooth and peaceful. He warned troublemakers to steer clear of the polling units so as not to force the police to wield the law against them.
Meanwhile, a video clip circulating on social media showed voters gathered at a specific polling unit in Anyigba, accusing the ruling party of diverting electoral materials to an unknown destination, allegedly to rig the election.
