Low voter turnout mars Adamawa LG poll

The Adamawa State local government election conducted on Saturday by the State Independent Electoral Commission.

Some of the polling units visited by our correspondent around noon had no single vote cast in those units.

The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, cast his vote in Kirchinga Ward Unit 001 in his hometown, Madagali Local Government Area.

The governor, who expressed confidence in the commission over the conduct of the poll, said he was satisfied with the turnout he witnessed.

He said the electoral body had exhibited fairness in the conduct of the poll.

When our correspondent visited Sengere Primary School, which housed six polling units, only Unit 008, Korfa Wakili, was manned by electoral officials.

The presiding officer, Sadatu Vangu, said the unit had yet to see a voter since they resumed at about 8:25 am.

Children took over the election venue, playing football, to the admiration of some of the security agents who were on the ground to provide security.

Party agents, including those of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, were also not on the ground.

At Polling Unit 023 Gerie 1, Sengere, Uniot 1, only two electoral officials were seen with empty ballot boxes.

The presiding officer, Michael Musa, said they were still waiting for voters to come out and vote.

The two leading opposition parties in the state; the All Progressives Congress and Social Democratic Party, boycotted the election, describing it as a shame and mockery of democracy.

However, the police directive on movement restriction was not effective as the popular grain market in Gerie Local Government Area was filled with sellers and buyers.