Voter apathy has trailed the Ebonyi Local government area elections held in the 171 wards of the 13 councils in the state.
People came out in trickles to vote while election materials and officers of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) arrived late to many polling units.
Some of the electorates who spoke to VON attributed the apathy to the non-fielding of candidates by the opposition parties.
At Oroke Onuoha Community Primary School polling unit, Oroke Onuha Playground unit and Stadium polling unit 003 in Abakaliki local Government are, there were low voters turnout.
The Returning Officer at PA Ngele Oruta Township Stadium Unit, Mr Evan Osuji said that voting could not start early as expected as there were delays from the collation center.
On voters turnout, Osuji expressed hope that the electorates would come out to vote and noted that the processes had been smooth.
A resident, Joy Nwabueze attributed the low turnout to non-fielding of candidates by opposition parties.
Nwabueze, who is a farmer, said people were not happy over the inability of other political parties to field candidates.
“You can see, it is only the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that are in for the elections and no other party”.
Another resident and politician, Mr Joseph Nwite alleged that the EBSIEC did not give political parties a level playing ground to participate in the elections.
According to Nwite, only the ruling party in the state are participating in the elections. No other party fielded candidates.
Mr Righteous Onuoha, who is contesting for the position of councilor, attributed the low turnout to the early morning rain in the state.
Onuoha expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections and was hopeful to come out successfully.
Another voter, Mr Mike Mwachukwu said he came out to cast his vote to perform his civic responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the State, Engr David Umahi while addressing Journalists after casting his vote at his polling unit, Umunaga Umuchima said he is satisfied with the ongoing election.
“I can say that I am quite satisfied with the report I am getting from the polling units.
“It is very peaceful, the turnout is quite impressive and the people are voting very freely for andidates of their preferences.
“There is no other political party in Ebonyi State, we have done quite well and no other political party in Ebonyi can boast of any reason why anybody in Ebonyi should vote for such party other than APC. We have performed, we have transformed the State, so Ebonyi people will not listen to promises, they are going to be listening to promises fulfilled under my administration and as the party of APC.
“I worked hard for it. Apostle Paul says I have run the race, I have kept the faith, left unto me is the crown of righteousness, that crown of righteousness is a comprehensive victory today.
“Every election is selection; an opportunity for the people to select whoever they like and that is the definition of election.” Umahi said.
Emmanuel Ukoh
