Low turnout, high hopes: Edo by-election holds amid apathy

The by-election scheduled for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency is being conducted on Saturday.

The election, however, has been marked by voter apathy. Most of the polling units monitored by our correspondent witnessed a low turnout of voters, although a few other centers saw a fairly large turnout.

Additionally, the restriction of movement declared by the police — from 12 a.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Saturday — in the affected areas was largely ignored, as people moved about freely and carried out their normal activities.

The election was, however, peaceful and orderly, as security operatives, including the police, NSCDC, and others, were visibly present at polling centers.

There was a large turnout of voters at Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School, where the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, cast his vote at about 10:20 a.m.

Okpebholo, who commended the electoral process, expressed confidence in his party, the APC, securing victory in the election.

The state deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, voted at Iguobazuwa West Ward, Unit 3, Old Education Board, Ovia South West Local Government Area.

Idahosa, who commended the fairly large turnout of voters in the area, described the process as seamless, peaceful, and encouraging.

“So far, everything is going well. We are expecting free, fair, and credible elections. Ovia people will be happy with the outcome. The turnout is impressive. More voters should come out and vote — and shun violence.
I just voted, and I am going home while I wait for the result,” he said.

Voter apathy was most noticeable at Okada West Ward 1, Units 7 and 8, where the APC candidate, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, voted at about 9:15 a.m. INEC officials were literally waiting for voters to show up.

At Okada West Ward Units 1, 4, and 6, however, voters were seen in queues, waiting to cast their ballots.

As of the time of filing this report, the voting process was still ongoing.