Low voter turnout mars Ibadan North by-election

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency on Saturday witnessed a low turnout of voters across the twelve electoral wards that make up the constituency.

Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled the exercise to commence at 8:30 a.m., voting did not begin on time in several polling units.

The electoral officers and materials arrived early, but voters were largely absent when accreditation and voting were expected to start.

At Ward 6, Unit 6, no voter had arrived as of 8:26 a.m., while a similar situation played out at Ward 6, Unit 21, where the process could not begin at the stipulated time due to the absence of voters. At Ward 10, Unit 28 in Old Bodija, no voter was present when our correspondent visited at about 9:02 a.m.

However, some polling units eventually commenced voting later in the morning.

At Ward 10, Unit 27, voting began at about 9:07 a.m., while the exercise started around 9:10 a.m. at Ward 10, Unit 11.

The election was conducted under heavy security. Policemen, soldiers, and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were sighted at Apete, Ijokodo, Adamasingba, and other adjoining areas to forestall any breach of peace.

Despite the strong security presence, participation remained poor, with voter turnout reportedly falling below 20% in many polling stations.

Election officials attributed the low engagement to limited voter awareness and widespread apathy among the electorate.