The local government elections in Enugu State were impacted by low voter turnout and delayed arrival of voting materials at various polling units and wards. Despite this, Governor Peter Mbah praised the peaceful outcome, describing it as the most peaceful.
Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated low turnout in most wards, notably Igbariam Primary School Ward 7 and Union Boys Secondary School Ward 8. A Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) agent attributed the low turnout to the discouraging experience of the 2023 general election.
“There is low turnout of voters… people are not coming out to vote because the last general election has discouraged everyone from coming out to cast their votes.”
Security presence was evident at visited wards, with people going about their normal duties. However, voting materials failed to arrive at Igbariam Primary School and Union Boys Secondary School by 10 am. Mrs. Chika Eze, an electorate at Igbariam Primary School Ward 7 Unit 2, noted that despite security presence, only a few people cast their votes.
Governor Mbah commended the peaceful outcome, describing the exercise as democracy in action. “The exercise is very peaceful. It started on time.
This is democracy, and it is a very important exercise because we are trying to elect people who will lead our people at the grassroots.” He reassured support for local government autonomy, stating it would bring governance closer to the people.
Mbah emphasized his administration’s readiness to support winners, regardless of party affiliation. “We are going to support the local government to allow their programmes.”
On voter turnout, he said, “The voters’ turn out showed that people believe that the government’s decision will touch their lives. People are becoming increasingly aware that the government will touch their lives.
People have resolved to choose those that will lead them. It must be done in a democratic way, and we won’t take it for granted.”