Inspite of the massive advocacy and sensitisation carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the by-elections low voter participation has marred the Kebbi State House of Assembly poll, with many polling units recording sparse attendance as electoral officials waited for residents to cast their ballots.
Despite the commencement of the electoral process, several polling centres witnessed minimal activity, raising concerns about public interest in the exercise that was expected to fill the vacuum in their representation at the house.
Election officials were seen stationed at their assigned locations, awaiting the arrival of voters to begin or sustain the accreditation and voting process.
However, it was noted that only a handful of voters turned up at some polling units, while electoral personnel in certain areas were still waiting for further directives before proceeding with their duties.
The by-election is taking place in the Zuru State Constituency of Kebbi State, where electoral officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been deployed to oversee the exercise.
An election official, who spoke on condition of anonymity on phone call said, “We arrived prepared for the exercise, but voter turnout has been far below expectations. We are hoping more people will come out as the day progresses.”
Similarly, a resident expressed concern over the low participation, saying, “Many people appear to be going about their daily activities instead of taking part in the election. The turnout so far has been disappointing.”
At Alhaji Budo Polling Unit in the Rafin Zuru community, officials were observed waiting for voters to arrive and cast their ballots.
A similar situation was recorded at several other polling centres visited during monitoring of the election.
Meanwhile, in Zuru town, commercial activities continued uninterrupted as shops, filling stations and other businesses remained open while voting was underway.
At Mango Waje Polling Unit in the Manga area of Zuru town, voting commenced at about 10:14 a.m., with only a few voters present in the queue at the time.
Furthermore, as of 11:51 a.m., some INEC officials had yet to report to their designated polling units, while others were awaiting instructions before moving to their assigned locations.
The Guild reports that the by-election continues amid expectations that voter participation could improve later in the day as electoral activities progress across the constituency.