Etsako bye election: Low voters turnout, malfunctioning card reader trail election; APC, PDP assure of victory

AGENE GODWIN , Benin

The Etsako Federal constituency bye election into the House of Representatives conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was characterised by low voters’ turnout and malfunctioning card reader machines.

A development stakeholders attributed to the short time table released by the electoral commission for the exercise

It was also observed that there was presence of the Nigerian Police, DSS, NSCDC and other security operatives.

Voters were seen discharging their social responsibility in an atmosphere of peace.

At Azama primary school in Etsako West where the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu voted, there was however presence of large turn out of voters

Comrade Shaibu however describe it as peaceful but expressed the hope that the APC will win the poll just as he observed that there were reports of malfunctioned card reader machine in some areas.

The deputy governor said he was hopeful that his party will clinch victory after the whole exercise.

He said “I am very confident of victory at the bye election into the House of Representatives.

At Osime Primary School, Ward 1, Unit 9, of Etsako East local government area, where the PDP candidate, Jude Imagwe voted ,the exercises was generally described as calm and peaceful.

Imagwe cast his vote at about 9 50 am and cautioned INEC to let the people’s votes count by allowing a free, fair and credible election.

He said “As you can see now, the place is peaceful, though the turn out is not impressive because INEC did not give enough time to campaign.

“INEC should allow the peoples votes count and by the grace of God, we are waiting for the inauguration,” he said.

Also speaking on the bye-election, the state chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih and the member representing Etsako Central at the House of Assembly, Hon Damian Lawani expressed some concern.

They said the election was credible but that low turnout greeted the event.