Observers lament vote-buying, low turnout during Anambra governorship poll

Some international and local observers have expressed concern over reports of vote-buying and low voter turnout during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, Samson Itodo, the executive director of Yiaga Africa, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Heading 1
20,000 pigs killed in Canada wildland fires
The fire incident at the farm occurred as 200 separate wildfires were burning across different parts of Ontario, prompting evacuation of residents.

States
Court remands Anambra teenager over alleged defilement
The teenager faces a one-count charge of defilement.

States
Yobe woos 50 foreign, local investorsÂ
Mr Chikaji said, “Yobe is open for business, not just in aspiration but in practice.”

Opinion
Azu Ishiekwene: Shettima’s final test
Vice-President Kashim Shettima cannot be blamed for having doubts about whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would renominate him as his running mate for a second term.

Anti-Corruption
Presidency memo justifies Gbajabiamila’s role in NUPRC N54 billion revenue controversy
But the memo defended the chief of staff, asserting that Mr Gbajabiamila was acting under Mr Tinubu’s orders.

World
UN says over 500 Rohingya refugees feared dead after two ships sink off Myanmar coast
A second boat, reportedly carrying about 280 people, is believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.





