By Muhammad Mamman
The by-election in Okura constituency of Kogi East was marred by voter apathy and low participation, with the state’s electoral chief blaming politicians for the failure.
The poll was organised to fill the seat left vacant by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Enema Paul, who died in December 2024.
But residents largely ignored the exercise, with many seen attending to their businesses instead of heading to polling stations.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Oliver Agundu, criticised political leaders for failing to mobilise and sensitise their supporters ahead of the vote.
“Turnout is so low and far below expectations,” he said in Anyigba.
“Politicians have failed to deliver on promises and to prepare their followers for this election.”
Agundu also pointed to incidents of thuggery that disrupted the process, saying electoral officers were delayed at some polling units after being confronted by hoodlums.
“This is bad for us as a nation,” he warned.
“Elections are a shared responsibility, and INEC alone cannot succeed when communities and politicians are compromised.”
Despite the challenges, Agundu praised electoral staff for their resilience and security agencies for their role in maintaining calm.
State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, described the election as smooth and peaceful, noting that no arrests had been made.
He, however, warned potential troublemakers to steer clear of polling centres.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media appeared to show angry voters in Anyigba accusing the ruling party of diverting electoral materials, fuelling suspicions of manipulation.
