By Muhammad Mamman
the Onitsha North 1 constituency by-election for the State House of Assembly unfolded on Saturday, with polling stations fully equipped by 8 a.m. Electoral materials arrived promptly at key locations, including Polling Unit 017, Ward 3, Uba Road, and Polling Unit 016, Ward 3, Awka Road, as well as stations in Agba Street, Orakuwe, Ugwuta Road, and Wards 3 and 4, including Polling Units 6 and 9 in Okosi.
Despite the timely setup, the election was overshadowed by widespread voter apathy, resulting in dismal turnout. Many polling stations saw INEC officials twiddling their thumbs, as voters trickled in sporadically. At some units, the process was so quiet that accreditation and voting happened almost instantaneously, with voters casting their ballots immediately after verification. The by-election was called to fill the vacancy left by the tragic kidnapping and murder of Justice Azuka, the former representative for Onitsha North 1.
Contenders from major political parties, including the Labour Party, All Progressives Congress, Young Progressives Party, African Democratic Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance, vied for the seat. A robust security presence across major roads and strategic locations ensured a peaceful and orderly process, with no reported incidents. However, the calm was punctuated by local youths playing football on main roads despite movement restrictions, while some traders defiantly displayed their goods along the streets.
Speaking to the press, Ngozi Ugwuegbu, Presiding Officer for Ward 3, confirmed the smooth operation of the election. “Materials arrived by 8 a.m., and the process has been seamless,” she said. “Voters are accredited and vote without delay. There have been no network issues, and all machines are functioning perfectly. Those who have turned up have been orderly and cooperative.”
Sylvester Mozie, an APGA party agent, echoed this sentiment, noting the absence of violence or technical glitches. “Everything is running smoothly,” he told journalists. “INEC’s card readers have performed flawlessly.”
One voter, 45-year-old Uchenna Emerie, expressed delight at the hassle-free experience. “I cast my vote without any stress or delay,” he said. “It was quick and straightforward.”
While the electoral process itself was efficient, the glaring lack of voter enthusiasm raises questions about civic engagement in this crucial by-election.
