Enugu LG poll records low turnout as residents cite apathy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

• Obi urges issue-based campaigns
• Enugu restricts movement for Saturday LG poll
• Enugu flood kills two children, submerges 14 villages

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

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

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.

“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.

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

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

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