The House of Representatives bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, recorded low voter turnout on Saturday, despite early commencement of voting and heavy presence of security operatives.
This publication understands that at Ward 5, Unit 5, Bibilari area of Bashorun, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi, cast her vote, commending officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their punctuality and efficiency. She also praised the joint security operatives for maintaining law and order at polling centres.
However, Hon. Odususi expressed concern over the poor voter turnout witnessed in her polling unit. She appealed to eligible voters across the constituency to come out and exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.
Earlier, reports indicated partial road blockage around Bere axis of Ibadan, though security agencies had assured residents of safety and smooth movement within the city.
According to INEC, about 217,980 voters were expected to participate across 512 polling units in the twelve electoral wards of Ibadan North. Five political parties, the PDP, APC, APGA, ADC, and ZLP are contesting the seat, which became vacant following the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi of the APC in July.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, had earlier assured that all sensitive materials, BVAS devices, and election officials were adequately deployed to ensure a transparent and credible poll.
As at the time of filing this report, voting had commenced in several wards, but voter enthusiasm remained low, raising concerns about participation levels in a constituency with one of the largest voting populations in Ibadan.
