LOW VOTERS’ TURNOUT MARS EBONYI LG ELECTION
REPORTER: AMECHI ODO
Poor turnout of voters has marred Local Government Election conducted today (30/7/22) across Ebonyi State.
A visit to some of the polling units, including polling unit 003 at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Onueke in Ezza South and Obiozara in Ohaozara Local Government Areas, showed that a few number of voters came out to cast their ballots.
It was the same situation of scanty number of voters at many polling units in Abakaliki metropolis as people were busy going about their businesses, though there was slight reduction in human and vehicular movements within the metropolis.
One of the voters, who interacted with Radio Nigeria, attributed the low turnout to imposition of candidates and very poor publicity of the election as some people were not even aware of the election.
“People are not here to vote because we don’t like the candidate. They said he is the one they want but we don’t like him, that’s why,” the voted remarked.
The story was, however, different at Governor David Umahi’s voting centre, Umunaga polling booth in Ohaozara Local Government Area, as appreciable number of voters were seen participating in the process.
Meanwhile, Governor Umahi has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2022 Local Government Election in the state.
Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote at Onuofukuru polling booth at Umunaga Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area, Governor Umahi described the turn out as impressive, noting that it was a demonstration that the people were happy with his administration.
He stated that reports he received from across the state indicated a hitch free poll while the people came out to vote for candidates of their choice unhindered.
“I can say that I am quite satisfied with the report I am getting from the polling units.
“It is very peaceful, the turnout is quite impressive and the people are voting very freely for Candidates of their preferences.
“There is no other political party in Ebonyi State, we have done quite well and no other political party in Ebonyi can boast of any reason why anybody in Ebonyi should vote for such party other than APC.
“We have performed, we have transformed the State, so Ebonyi people will not listen to promises, they are going to be listening to promises fulfilled under my administration and as the party of APC.
“I worked hard for it. Apostle Paul says I have run the race, I have kept the faith, left unto me is the crown of righteousness, that crown of righteousness is a comprehensive victory today.
“Every election is selection; an opportunity for the people to select whoever they like and what that is the definition of election,” he claimed.
Governor Umahi urged the people of the state to have faith in the country’s democracy, noting that present challenges faced by Nigerians were surmountable.
It was observed that voters were accredited manually with their Permanent Voter’s Cards.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
