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Low voter turnout mars Imo governorship election

VOTER apathy marred the off-cycle governorship election in Imo state on Saturday, November 11.

Residents attributed the development to earlier threats by some politicians in the state, which forced residents to stay indoors.



The ICIR reported the president of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, raised similar concerns, but he attributed the low turnout to the economic challenges facing many eligible voters.

Low voter turnout at Oji town Primary School in Owerri North LGA in Imo State. The school has three polling units:005,006 and 007.

Apart from low voter turnout, The ICIR observed constant security patrol in Owerri Municipal, Owerri North,  Ikeduru, and Mbaitoli local government areas.




     

     

    Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba, who supervised Police deployment and operations in the election, said the Police was keeping constant security check before, during, and after the poll

    He described the alleged threats on voters as a rumour and promised that the Police would investigate the matter.

    His words, “Elections in our clime are usually characterised by rumours, deliberate disinformation. Whenever you pick up information around this time, you need to fact-check them thoroughly. You need to find out if the information is correct. And for us, we will investigate these claims.

    “So, we have done our part, we have provided security, we have provided a level playing field, we have strike forces on patrol, quick response units, roving round the state. So, we have done what we should do, but going forward, Nigerians should continue to strengthen our voter’s enlightenment and education processes, deepen them, and sustain our democracy.”

    Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.

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