By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
The Anambra South senatorial by-election on Saturday witnessed a low voter turnout, in spite of the early arrival of voting materials at some polling units in Ekwusigo and Aguata Local Government Areas.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents who monitored the election in some polling units also discovered absence of security personnel.
NAN monitored PU 001 in Obeichi, PUs 004 and 003 in Umueze Eziagu village square, PUs 010 and 011 in Central school, PU 12 in Egbunike youth centre and PU013 at Ejemili town hall, all in Ichi ward, Ekwusigo LGA.
There was low turnout of voters, but the electoral process, which began at 9 a.m., has remained peaceful across the various polling units visited in Ekwusigo..
NAN also visited PU001 at Civic centre, PU005 at Osete village in Umuchu Ward-I, PU001 at Umuchu Town hall, PU005 at Community School and PU014 at Salvation Army in Umuchu Ward-II, all in Aguata LGA.
At PU001 in Oruile Village Hall, PU003 at St. Joseph’s High School, and PUs 004, 005, 006, and 007 at the Primary School in Umuona — all located in Umuona Ward, Aguata LGA, voters were virtually empty.
PU002 located at Ofiyi Square, Umueze at Isuofia Ward 13, PU 007, Central school, Ozala in Isuofia ward 13 also had lo turnout.
There was no security presence at the polling units, even as people were going about their normal businesses.
The Chairman of Aguata LGA, Dr Chibueze Oforbuike, who cast his vote at 11:31 a.m., said he was impressed that INEC officials arrived early, the BVAS were functioning properly, and voters were conducting themselves peacefully.
“We hope more people will come out to cast their votes before the process ends. This is the only way to make our voices loud and clear,” he said.
Speaking to NAN, Mr Emma Onyeneke, 65-year-old retiree who voted at PU001 in Oruile Village Hall, Umuona, attributed the low turn out to lack of interest.
“You know, this is not a major election like the governorship election, so, many people are not really interested. That is why we’re seeing low voter turnout,” he said.
The electoral process has so far been peaceful across the various polling units visited.
The election is expected to end at 2:30 pm.
NAN reports that the Anambra South Senatorial seat was vacant following the death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah who died in a London hospital. (NAN)