Some polling units in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State have recorded low turnout of voters as against the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited four polling units in Ifako Ijaiye met some of the INEC officials relaxing, while some put their heads on the table.
NAN reports that there was heavy turnout of voters in these polling units during the presidential election on Feb.25.
As at the time of filling this report, polling units 102, 108, 038 and O39 in Ifako Ijaiye Constituency O2, recorded low turnout of voters.
Electoral officers, materials and security officers arrived between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. in these polling units.
One of the voters, Mr Osaro Heag, a sales representative, told NAN that majority of the voters were afraid to come out because of the alleged social media threat.
“My friends and their families that came out during the last election refused to come out today.
“They said they saw many threats on social media, asking non-indigenous not to come out if they will not vote for a certain candidate.
“People are scared not to lose their lives because of politics, hence, they choose to stay indoor,” he said.
Also, some Wards and Units in other areas recorded low turnout of voters.
Among the polling units are Polling Unit 42, Ward 8 and Polling Unit 43 Ward 8.
INEC officials were seen attending to the few voters, while security operatives were on ground.
Ms Linda Igiewe, an election observer, told NAN that there was voter apathy in different wards and poor turnout compared to the Feb. 25 Presidential Election.
According to her, unlike few weeks ago, some traders opened their shops to make sales, there was vehicular movements everywhere and youths were on the streets playing football.
“Although, the exercise is very peaceful but the turnout is poor. Voters are not coming out in their numbers to vote, even the INEC officials were just relaxing,” she added.
One of the Polling Units (Polling Units 118, Ward 8) visited by NAN correspondent as at 11:40 a.m., which had 100 voters registered for the election, recorded only 30 votes.
A voter, Oluyemi Obi, who shared his experience with NAN, said that the voting was hitch-free as he spent only 10 minutes identifying his name on the list and then cast his vote.
Oluyemi, however, urged voters who had yet to vote, to come out and exercise their right. (NAN)
