Low turnout as Edo holds House of Representative election

The by-election into the Etsako Federal Constituency of Edo State was held across the three local government areas of Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central.

The turnout was not as impressive as in previous elections, as turnout was low in some areas, though materials arrived early as voting started as early as 8 am in some areas. There were minor cases of failure of card reader and incidence form used as an alternative.

There were no reports of violence or electoral malpractice in most of the areas visited, as soldiers, anti-riot policemen, officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) were deployed to strategic locations, to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

However, there was confusion earlier in the morning, when there was a rumour of an injunction from a Federal High Court, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the election, Johnson Oghuma has been replaced.

The ugly development, which was dismissed by the party leaders in the area, also fueled voter apathy during the exercise, as some residents, shunned the process.