Enugu LG Polls Record Low Turnout

The ongoing chairmanship and councillorship elections in Enugu State have been peaceful, but with low turnout of voters.

The state police command had earlier restricted movement on Saturday to enable voters to exercise their franchise. Residents, it was observed, obeyed the order.

At Ward 4 and Ward 5 in Enugu South Local Government Area, Uwani, few voters were seen at the centres as early as 8am to exercise their franchise.

It was gathered that accreditation commenced at 9am while voting commenced at 9.30am. Security personnel were also seen making sure voters conduct themselves in orderly manner.

One of the voters, Mr Christopher Nnamani, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct, but expressed dismay with the number of people who turned out for the exercise.

“This number does not reflect the registered voters in this ward,” he said, adding that, “I think the economic realities in Nigeria have returned voter apathy to the people. During the 2023 general elections, it was a different ball game, and I suspect that the emergence of Mr Peter Obi in the presidential race was the magic. I advise voters not to lose hope.”

Also, at Ward 5, Robinson Street Primary School, Uwani, Enugu, Mr Okechukwu Ogbodo, a voter, attributed the apathy to mistrust in the system.

He said, “The electoral system in the country has prevented the citizens from coming out to cast their vote during elections. I call on the governments and INEC to fashion out the best way for the citizens to believe in the system.”

Security chiefs in the state were seen monitoring the exercise at some locations to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.