There was significant voter apathy in many polling units during the local government elections held across Bauchi State. Journalists monit...
There was significant voter apathy in many polling units during the local government elections held across Bauchi State.
Journalists monitoring the elections observed that in most villages, there were no signs of voting activity.
However, in a few units, electoral officers informed journalists that some voters arrived, cast their ballots, and left.
In Ganjuwa LGA, most polling units showed clear signs of low voter turnout.
Despite the vehicular movement restrictions imposed by the Bauchi State Police Command, people were seen going about their normal daily activities unhindered.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the Command, in a statement released on Friday through its Spokesman, Superintendent Ahmed Wakil, announced that vehicular movement would be restricted from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday.
However, in Ganjuwa, Darazo, and Misau LGAs, people continued their usual activities.
In Soro town, Ganjuwa LGA, journalists observed that the weekly market was held as usual, with traders displaying their goods in defiance of police directives.
Some residents expressed their disinterest in voting, citing doubts about the fairness of the elections.
“Is there an election going on today here in Soro? I’m not aware,” a resident remarked.
He added, “I can’t waste my time voting because I already know the outcome. The ruling party’s candidate (PDP) will be declared the winner, so I’d rather find something to feed my family.”
Meanwhile, confusion was reported in some polling units in Ganjuwa LGA.
At Unguwan Wakili PU 033, a man initially presented himself as an official of the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission. Upon further questioning, he admitted to being a party agent performing the duties of an electoral official.
Similar incidents were observed in two other polling units in the area, where only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent was present. When asked about other party agents, it was reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) agent had briefly left to run an errand.
At another polling unit, a man claiming to be an APC agent was seen without an identification tag. When questioned, he admitted that he was not given a tag and could not name his party chairman.
In Misau LGA, the election was concluded by 12:30 pm.
Meanwhile, Bappa Aliyu-Misau, the Member representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the election as peaceful and successful.
Speaking to journalists shortly after casting his vote, Aliyu-Misau commended the electorate for turning out en masse to elect candidates of their choice.
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