Observers say the low turnout could affect the pace and energy of the election, emphasising the need for more residents to participate to ensure robust representation.

Voting kicked off on Saturday at Igbo-Ukwu 1 Polling Unit in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, for the Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election, but voter turnout remained low despite the early arrival of materials.

Accreditation and voting began on time at Ihua-Afor Ward III and Afaukwu College Ward II, but many polling units recorded thin crowds, with residents slow to show up.

The bye-election, covering seven local government areas, seeks to fill the seat left vacant after the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in 2024.

READ ALSO:By-Election: Idahosa Assures Of More Infrastructural Development In Ovia

Dominic Okafor, Member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, who voted at Igbo-Ukwu Polling Unit, acknowledged the low turnout but urged residents to exercise their civic duty.

“First and foremost, we pray for the repose of the soul of our former Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah. Voting has started, but we urge more people to come out. Almost a year without representation is too long, and every vote counts,” Okafor said.

Eighty-year-old voter, Madam Victoria Okeke, said she was pleased with the process, even though turnout was low.

READ ALSO:PDP Drags Ned Nwoko To Court, Wants by-election Conducted For His Seat

“Materials came early, around 7:30 am. I was accredited and have voted. It was good and smooth, but not many people have come out yet,” she said.

An INEC official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that all machines were working and the process was seamless. She noted that voters began arriving as early as 7:00 am, conducting themselves orderly while security personnel monitored the units.

Observers say the low turnout could affect the pace and energy of the election, emphasising the need for more residents to participate to ensure robust representation.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Saturday expressed concerns over the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the ongoing by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District.

Okpebholo said this while casting his vote at Ward 2 Polling Unit 1 in Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government.

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote, Okpebholo said that although the exercise was peaceful, the BVAS machines deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were causing unnecessary delay.

READ ALSO:By-election: Politician, INEC Officials, Others Arrested With Large Cash In Ogun [VIDEO]

“Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration.

“The BVAS is just too slow. It takes too long before you can get accredited.

“I think INEC needs to look into this. So far, so good, the reports I’m getting are good,” Okpebholo said.

The governor, however, commended INEC for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

He urged the electorate in the senatorial district to participate fully in the process and defend their votes.

READ ALSO:By-Election: APC Round Off Campaign In Ovia North East LGA, Optimistic Of Victory

“The process has been smooth here and the reports I am getting from other areas in the district are also smooth.

“INEC is doing well. I urge the voters to come out to vote and defend their votes,” Okpebholo said.

The by-election is being conducted to fill the vacant senatorial seat following Okpebholo’s emergence as Governor of Edo State.

Mr. Adewale Olatunji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, on Saturday, lamented the low voter turnout during the exercise.

Olatunji, who cast his vote at 11:25 a.m. at Ward 10 Unit 27, Bodija Police Station near Oyo State Housing Corporation, described the electorate’s apathy as discouraging.

He noted that while voting has been simplified, by-elections in Nigeria often record poor turnout. Olatunji urged residents to come out in large numbers before polls close.

READ ALSO:By-Election: Edo Is Home To APC — Deputy Gov, Idahosa

“If you are sending us out to represent you, then you must come out and do your part,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Folajimi Oyekunle, also voted at the same unit.

Oyekunle described the election as peaceful, based on his experience at the polling unit.

“As far as my polling unit is concerned, I have cast my vote, and everything is going on well,” he said.

READ ALSO:PDP Drags Ned Nwoko To Court, Wants by-election Conducted For His Seat

Meanwhile, voter turnout at Ward 11, Units 17, 18, and 42, Abadina, University of Ibadan, was more substantial. A voter, Mr. Sunday Unabo of Unit 17, noted that INEC officials arrived early, even before voters.

“The election is going smoothly. The only issue is that some voters had their polling units changed by INEC without prior notice,” he said.

Similarly, an impressive turnout was reported at Ward 4, Unit 12, beside NTA Ibadan.