The All Progressives Congress Chairman in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has downplayed the low voter turnout in the local government elections, stating that voter apathy is not unusual in Nigerian elections. Okocha made this statement after casting his ballot at Ward 12, Unit 11 in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. He described the election process as seamless and well-organized, an improvement from previous elections.
According to Okocha, the winners of the election should prioritize the needs of their constituents, focusing on infrastructure development and projects that benefit the community. He emphasized that elected officials are expected to be people-oriented in their approach to governance.
The local government elections, which took place on Saturday, witnessed a low voter turnout in many areas, with the exception of polling units located in the strongholds of prominent political figures. These areas included the polling units of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and council chairmanship candidates in various Local Government Areas.
The election process was dominated by the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party, with opposition parties having a minimal presence in most polling units. The elections were largely peaceful, with many residents, particularly in rural communities, going about their daily activities without interruption.
The low voter turnout and dominance of the two major parties are not uncommon in Nigerian elections. However, the peaceful conduct of the elections is a positive development, especially in a state like Rivers, which has experienced electoral violence in the past. The focus now shifts to the winners of the election, who are expected to deliver on their campaign promises and improve the lives of their constituents.
