Ebonyi: Poor turnout mars LG poll
Poor turnout of voters marred the Local Government election conducted in the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi on Saturday.
At some of the polling units visited by The Nation in the three senatorial zones, it was observed voters did not come out to participate in the exercise.
At the Unit 003 Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, in Ebonyi North zone as well as Onueke in Ezza South in Ebonyi Central zone and Obiozara in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi South zone, the situation was the same.
Around 2:11pm when The Nation visited one of the polling units in Obiozara in Ohaozara local government area, it was observed that not more than five persons came out to cast their votes.
It was however different at Umunaga Polling booth in Ohaozara Local Government Area as appreciable number of voters were seen participating in the process.
Some of the voters described the exercise as selection instead of election, stating the ruling party has always been declared winner at the elections.
Mr. Ifeanyi Nworie said local government election in Nigeria has always been a one- party affair so there was no need coming out to participate.
Others who also spoke attributed the low turnout to imposition of candidates and poor publicity on the election.
Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi described the exercise as peaceful and expressed the optimism the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) will emerge victorious at the polls.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Umunaga Ward 4, Ohaozara local government area, Umahi said his performance as Governor will always give APC victory in elections in the State.
“I can say that I am quite satisfied with the report I am getting from the polling units.
“It is very peaceful, the turnout is quite impressive and the people are voting very freely for Candidates of their preferences”.
“There is no other political party in Ebonyi State, we have done quite well and no other political party in Ebonyi can boast of any reason why anybody in Ebonyi should vote for such party other than APC”.
“We have performed, we have transformed the State, so Ebonyi people will not listen to promises, they are going to be listening to promises fulfilled under my administration and as the party of APC”.
“I worked hard for it. Apostle Paul says I have run the race, I have kept the faith, left unto me is the crown of righteousness, that crown of righteousness is a comprehensive victory today,” he said.
Umahi denied the insinuation that there was imposition of candidates, adding that the people were given the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. Nation
