Low voter turnout mars Bauchi LG polls

The ongoing local government elections in Bauchi State have been marked by a noticeable low voter turnout, according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

This trend was observed across several local government areas, including Bauchi, Dass, and Tafawa Balewa.

NAN correspondents on the ground reported that voting in many polling centers started much later than expected, around 11:00 a.m., due to the delayed arrival of election officials and materials. This delay further contributed to the low enthusiasm among voters, who were already showing signs of apathy.

In polling units such as those at Junior Secondary School Gwallameji, Kofar Sarkin-Gwalameji, Sa’adu Zungur Comprehensive Secondary School, and GSS Baba-Sidi, the late start of voting combined with the apparent lack of voter interest created a sluggish atmosphere.

The low turnout has raised concerns about voter engagement and the effectiveness of the electoral process in Bauchi State. Election officials and observers are likely to review these issues closely to understand the factors contributing to voter apathy and how to address them in future elections.

The voters were queueing orderly and peacefully as election officials and materials arrived at the venue, to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise in most centres visited.

NAN reports that there was adequate deployment of security personnel at the centres while most of the residents were going about their normal businesses.

A group of election monitors expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the areas visited.

Mr Mamman Eri, the Lead Observer, commended the voters, polling clerks and security agents for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Eri, who is also the Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), led other States’ Electoral Commissioners in motoring the exercise.

“We have gone round some polling units, the election was peaceful, people conducted themselves and the conduct of agents of political parties present at the polling units is commendable,” Eri said. (NAN)