The Ngor Okpala Constituency bye-election conducted in Imo State, on Saturday, witnessed low turnout of voters in many polling units.
Eleven candidates are contesting in the bye-election for the House of Assembly seat declared vacant following the long absence of the former occupant.
Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria, who monitored the exercise, reported that sensitive and non-sensitive election materials arrived at the polling units as early as 8:30am.
Among the areas that was visited were Logara/Umuohiagu, Ndiuhu Umuokoada Logara, Umuorisha Umuohiagu, Umuchoko Jjunction, Umuohiagu, and Community Primary School, Upe.
NAN reports that accreditation and voting started 9:25am at Central School, Umuoye 2 in Imerienwe with the exercise witnessing low turnout of voters.
There was noticeable presence of security operatives at the voting and checkpoints along major roads in the areas, including Upe Autonomous Community.
The Presiding Officer at Ward 5, Central School, Umuoye 2 polling unit 003, Qassim Usman, told NAN that accreditation and voting started at 8:30am without hitches.
Esther Ewuru, the Presiding Officer at Polling Unit 007, Ward 5, said that about 25 voters had been accredited as at 10am.
Appraising the process, a community leader and observer, Athan Agbakwuru, commended INEC for starting the exercise early.
Agbakwuru expressed confidence that the process would be hitch-free.
NAN also observed that commercial activities were unhindered in the areas.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ezeonu, said that 94,060 registered voters were expected to cast their votes in the bye-election.
(NAN).
