By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Low turnout mars Delta LG election
The local government election in Delta State on Saturday faced significant challenges due to a low turnout of voters across various polling units and wards.
Our correspondent, monitoring the election in Asaba, the state capital, and its environs, observed the low turnout in Asaba, Okpanam, Ibusa, and other communities. Reporters noted a heavy presence of security personnel at the polling units and wards visited, with restricted vehicular movement.
At Uzoigwe RAC centre (DISEC ward 11 and 20), voting materials arrived at about 10:30 am for distribution to polling units. In Ward 13 Units 3, 30, and others in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, materials arrived at exactly 11 am, and voting commenced immediately with a low turnout.
A Peoples Democratic Party agent at Ward 13, Unit 30, who wished to remain anonymous, attributed the low turnout to the experience of the 2023 general election. “The last general election has discouraged the people to come out and cast their vote, that’s why we are recording low numbers,” he said.
At Asagba Primary School Ward 18 Unit 2, the IPAC Chairman of Delta State and Election Observer, Mr. Henry Eze, commended the presence of security agencies at the polling units. He said, “The whole process was very peaceful, there is no shooting, snatching box or one thing or the other. I also want to thank the security agencies, they were fully on the ground at the wards and units level. CP promised us and they lived up to our expectations. Low turnout is normal in every election, and don’t forget that there was rain early in the morning. So, it is impressive in all.”
Low Turnout Mars Delta LG Election