Kogi Election: Low voter turnout, vote-buying seen in Lokoja

Residents sparsely showing up led to the low voter turnout seen in two polling units in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State on Saturday.

The Open Space Under Mango Tree, Opp. Kenwon Hotel, polling unit 073, which anticipated 314 voters, witnessed only 65 casting their votes, according to our correspondent on the ground.

This particular polling unit holds significance as it is the base of Muhammed Danasabe, the late chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, who passed away just a day before the election. The somber atmosphere in the wake of his demise seemed to have contributed to the subdued electoral participation in this area.

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Amid the subdued turnout, reports also surfaced regarding the unfortunate practice of vote-buying. Our correspondent discovered instances of this electoral malpractice at the polling unit situated at Crowther Memorial College, in close proximity to the NUJ secretariat on Lugard Road. Additionally, the Open Space Under Mango Tree, Opp. Kenwon Hotel, polling unit 073, was implicated in this concerning trend, with money allegedly being disbursed to voters after they cast their ballots.

In response to these observations, concerned citizens and electoral watchdogs have expressed their apprehension, emphasizing the need for robust measures to curb voter apathy and the illicit influence of money in the democratic process.