Rivers By-Elections See Low Voter Turnout

Even with President Bola Tinubu’s call for all eligible voters to participate without fear, voter turnout remained low in Saturday’s bye-elections for the Ahoada East and Khana State House of Assembly constituencies, observers reported.

Several polling units in the two local government areas recorded minimal participation as the elections got underway.

In Khana LGA, polling commenced around 10 a.m. at Lueku Ward 3, Units 3, 6, and 7, with only a few residents casting votes by midday.

In the Ula-Apata community of Ahoada East, Units 1 and 3 also opened at 10 a.m., but voter queues were sparse, and many residents continued their normal activities despite movement restrictions. Observers noted that the area remained calm.

Low turnout in Ahoada East has been partly attributed to the religious practices of some residents, many of whom are Sabbatarians, with officials expecting most voters to appear later in the day.

According to INEC, elections are being conducted across 14 registration areas: six in Ahoada East and eight in Khana, covering 242 polling units in total.

Ahoada East has 41,085 registered voters, while Khana has 71,865, bringing the total electorate to 112,950. Security personnel, including police and civil defence operatives, were deployed across the constituencies.

Rivers By-Elections See Low Voter Turnout. Credit: News Central TV)

The low turnout is similar to what was seen in Kano State, where few people turned out for rerun elections in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies.

Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) attributed the low turnout in Kano to factors such as the timing of the elections during Ramadan and the perception that by-elections are minor exercises.

Low Voter Turnout at Kano Assembly By-Elections. Credit: Vanguard

Prior to the polls, President Tinubu urged voters to participate in a calm and orderly manner, emphasising that the democratic process thrives in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect.

He appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid violence, inflammatory statements, or any actions that could undermine the credibility of the elections.

Tinubu cautioned against any form of high-handedness, intimidation, or actions that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust, stressing that security personnel are present to protect lives, property, and the sanctity of the ballot.

“To all residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” the President added.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.