The local government election in Kwara State took place on Saturday, with a peaceful atmosphere observed across various parts of the state.
However, voter turnout was notably low.
Many polling stations experienced delays in starting the election due to the late arrival of election officials and materials. In Ilorin, the state capital, and other areas, voting didn’t begin until around 9:30 a.m…
Despite the restrictions on vehicular movement during the election, some market women chose to continue with their daily activities, prioritizing business over voting.
At markets like Ipata and Ganmo in Ilorin, traders were seen selling their wares rather than participating in the election.
One market woman, Mrs. Iyabo Alata, expressed her preference for business over voting, stating, “This is the only option that will put food on my table. I prefer to monitor my business than to waste my time voting.”
Another trader, Mrs. Aishat Usman, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We have been voting since we were born, and we are yet to see any change.
My business is my pride. I don’t care about the election because nothing will come out of it.”
Despite the low turnout, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who cast his vote at the Idigba polling unit in Adewole Ward, Ilorin West, commended the turnout, saying, “From what we can see here, the turnout is very okay.
Democracy has come to stay.” He also praised the security agencies for maintaining order and encouraged them to continue their good work.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ilorin South, Majeed Podo, also described the election process as peaceful and well-organized.
However, not everyone was satisfied. Comrade Musbau Esinrogunjo, a former Special Assistant to the governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent for Ilorin West, alleged that there were deliberate efforts by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) to withhold election materials from some polling units.
He pointed out that in places like Ogidi, Oloje, Pakata, and Warah wards, ballot papers and result sheets were insufficient.
For example, in one polling unit with 740 registered voters, only 350 ballot papers were provided, while another unit with 500 voters received just 200 ballot papers.
Responding to the delays, KWASIEC Chairman, Mohammed Baba-Okanla, attributed the late start to logistical issues, including vehicle breakdowns.
He assured that the situation had been addressed and normalcy restored in most areas. “In some places, there were no problems, but materials arrived late.
As soon as we got there, things improved,” he said.
