Low voter turnout has characterised the ongoing local government election in Bauchi State, as the raging economic crisis dampened residents’ interest in civic activities.

Vote commenced in most polling centres at about 11:00 a.m. due to the late arrival of election officials and materials. Still, most residents had shown no enthusiasm for the ballot due to acute hunger pervading the state and other parts of the country. President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bala Muhammad have promised to address economic challenges nationally and in Bauchi, respectively.

Polling stations at Junior Secondary School Gwallameji, Kofar Sarkin-Gwalameji, Sa’adu Zungur Comprehensive Secondary School, and GSS Baba-Sidi witnessed voter apathy. 

The voters were queueing orderly and peacefully as election officials and materials arrived at the venue to facilitate the smooth conduct of the exercise in most centres visited.

NAN noticed adequate deployment of security personnel at the centres while most residents were doing their normal business.

A group of election monitors expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the areas visited.

Mamman Eri, the lead observer, commended the voters, polling clerks and security agents for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Mr Eri, the chairman of Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), led other state electoral commissioners in motoring the exercise. 

“We have gone round some polling units, the election was peaceful, people conduct themselves and the agents of political parties present at the polling units  is commendable,” Mr Eri said. (NAN)