The Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in parts of Minna and environs in Niger state capital have been characterized by voter apathy as compared to the February, 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.
A visit by Media Talk Africa to various polling units showed that voting materials and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ad hoc staff were on ground, as early as 8am.
In most of the polling units, the electorates did not turn out, especially in Bosso, Tunga, Barikin Sale, Kpakungu, Maitumbi and Sabongari areas among others.
Also, in some areas, aside from the low turnout, there was little or no presence of security agencies.
Some of the voters who spoke to Media Talk Africa noted that they were not prepared to come out to vote out of the belief that their votes would not count as the BVAS machines were not used in the last elections.
Mohammed Nuhu of Bachita polling unit in Tunga said, ” the last time we voted it did not count. The question is will this one count? We are tired of coming out after the pains we went through”.
