25th April, 2015
There was an impressive voters’ turnout for Saturday’s supplementary governorship election across the 10 local government areas of Taraba State.
But in contrast, the supplementary polls in Imo and Abia states were marred by voter apathy.
The Independent National Electoral Commission cancelled the April 11 poll results in some local governments in the three states because of widespread irregularities, declaring the results of the governorship elections, inconclusive.
The Voters in some councils in Abia state, will decide the winner between Dr. Alex Otti of APGA and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of the PDP, while voters in Imo will also decide whether the incumbent, Rochas Okorocha should have another four-year term or whether he should yield the baton to Emeka Ihedioha, candidate of the PDP and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
In Taraba, where APC female Senator Jummai Aisha Alhassan is slugging it out with PDP’s Darius Ishaku, accreditation started on Saturday with most voters eager to exercise their civic responsibility.
In Imo and Abia states, voters stayed away over fear of violence. But the atmosphere at the polling units is relatively peaceful, according to reports.
Residents also flouted restriction order as markets were open with traders doing their business unperturbed.
There was also a heavy presence of security agents in all the affected local governments.