Why There’s Low Turnout in Imo Election. Residents Tell Neusroom
In the ongoing Imo State gubernatorial election, Neusroom has observed a significantly low turnout across various polling units in the state.
When residents were asked about the possible reasons for the low turnout, they cited a lack of trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections. Some also claimed that the current economic realities in the country, which the government appears not to be concerned about, deterred people from participating in the off-cycle elections.
“Nobody is interested in the election. How do you expect people to come and vote when he’s (President Bola Tinubu) cruising in a private jet?” a resident of Ihiagwa, who preferred not to be mentioned, told Neusroom.
However, low turnout was also witnessed in the state during the February 25, 2023, presidential election, where only 20 percent of eligible voters in Imo turned out to vote.
While the ongoing election in Imo has been largely reported to be calm and peaceful, the reason for the low turnout could also be a result of the dusk-to-dawn sit-at-home order issued by Simon Ekpa.
