Enugu LG poll records low turnout as residents cite apathy

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The Enugu State Local Government Election recorded low voter turnout on Saturday, with some residents blaming inadequate awareness and previous election experiences for the apathy.

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The election, conducted by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission across the 17 local government areas of the state, also witnessed late arrival of electoral materials at several polling units.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that only a few voters were seen casting their ballots at some polling units in Trans-Ekulu and parts of New Haven in Enugu metropolis.

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At polling units in Achara Layout and Awkunanaw, electoral materials arrived late, while security personnel and a few voters waited at Igbariam Primary School for the materials to arrive.

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Some youths at the polling unit were seen playing football while waiting.

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The low turnout occurred despite campaigns by political parties and appeals by ENSIEC and the state government for eligible voters to participate in the election.

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A resident, Raphael Nnamani, told NAN that he deliberately stayed away from the election because he believed his vote would not count.

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“Everybody know the situation; whether you vote or not, the results have been written; so, why should I waste my time, ” he said.

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Another resident, Margaret Ozioko, said she was unaware that the election was taking place.

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“I don’t have anything to do with election in Nigeria because after voting the vote will not count,” she said.

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A civil servant, Peter Eze, attributed the low turnout to inadequate awareness, previous election experiences and concerns about the impact of local government elections on residents.

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“Of what essence is the election when we know that the ruling party will win everything; for me, it is completely a waste of time and energy, ” Eze said.

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Another resident, Fabian Ugwu, described the exercise as an “affirmation of selected candidates.”

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The residents, however, urged political leaders and electoral authorities to do more to encourage citizens to participate in future local government elections.

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The results of the election were expected to be announced later on Saturday as collation continued across the 260 electoral wards.

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