Yakubu Busari
The Yobe State Local Government Council elections were held peacefully on Saturday across the state without hitches or incidents though marked by low voter turnout.
The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission, YSIEC had ensured early distribution of electoral materials and voting resumed as early as 9 am and was expected to close at 3 pm. At selected polling units visited in Yobe at about 11 am prospective voters were seen trickling in to cast their votes.
At the Yobe State Local Government Election. Gujba Local Government and Buni Lawanti Ward Polling Unit, Baba Ali Yerina Politician who confirmed that the exercise was free and fair as the State received all necessary materials early enough, said the process was peaceful and orderly but noted that the turnout was low.
“We do not have any incidents, we collected our materials very early in the morning. I can also tell you that the process is very peaceful but the turnout of voters is satisfactory,” he said.
Commenting after leading a delegation of Chairmen of State Independent Electoral Commissions to monitor the process, he commended the YSIEC for ensuring that the process went hitch-free.
He also said, “So far in the places we visited I noticed that firstly the election is peaceful, there is general voter apathy because from the number of registered voters compared to the numbers that have voted the turnout is ok, but there is still time and people may still come to vote.
“We also noticed that it is a convivial atmosphere and the voting environment is conducive for voters to come and cast their votes without intimidation.
Findings indicated that six political parties had their logos on the ballot papers and these include, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Labour Party, LP, African Action Congress, AAC, and Action Alliance,
He applauded the Governor’s Mai- Mala Buni Ward for the peaceful, credible, free, and fair election. The developmental stride of the Governor in the Village is Social Amenities such as electricity, a road network, a water plant project, model schools, etc.
According to him, the governor had overwhelming support from the people of the council which was as a result of the Governor’s landslide victory in the village as he has done credibly well in doing meaningful development with good things to be captured.
Dr Mamman Muhammad Executive Chairman Yobe State Independent Election Commission received commendation for conducting of hitch-free election to usher elected Chairmen of the LGs.
He applauded the Governor for making his village (Buni Lawanti Ward) and prayed for better opportunities even after the Governorship.
