By Juliet Ezeh
INEC officials report low voter turnout at Aso Estate and Sabon Lugbe during Saturday’s Area Council elections, despite smooth voting and efficient BVAS operations
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have raised concerns over unusually low voter turnout at Polling Unit 097, Aso Estate, and Polling Unit 098, LEA Primary School, Sabon Lugbe, during Saturday’s Area Council elections in Abuja.
According to electoral officials, the voting process at both units was peaceful and orderly, with no incidents of violence recorded. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) operated efficiently, ensuring that those who came to vote were able to cast their ballots without technical difficulties.
At Aso Estate, the Assistant Presiding Officer, Clement Adugo, revealed that of over 900 registered voters, only about 60 had appeared to vote by mid-morning. Adugo noted that despite the low turnout, the voting process was smooth, and residents who arrived were cooperative.
Similarly, an official at Sabon Lugbe’s LEA Primary School polling unit, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that fewer than 50 of the 715 registered voters had turned out. The officer attributed part of the delay to the late arrival of voting materials, which did not reach the unit until after 11 a.m. due to logistical challenges. Nevertheless, once voting commenced, the BVAS devices functioned properly, and the process proceeded without disruption.
Observers suggest that low voter turnout may reflect broader challenges in engaging constituents in local elections, including limited awareness, logistical issues, and voter apathy. While turnout was low, the efficiency of BVAS and the absence of conflict demonstrate the system’s readiness to handle Nigeria’s evolving electoral processes.
INEC officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring credible elections across all polling units, urging voters to participate in future exercises to strengthen local governance.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.