As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrap up the conduct of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election in twelve electoral wards, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is maintaining an early lead.

Even though the election was characterised by voter apathy in some areas, notably among some sections of Bodija, Agbowo, and Mokola areas, the ruling party, according to the official result, is maintaining a comfortable lead.

The INEC, in accordance with the 2003 Electoral Act as amended, is expected to make the official announcement of the result.

The collation exercise is ongoing as of the time of filing the report.

Meanwhile, the conduct of the election was marred by low turnout of voters in some electoral wards in the constituency.

The turnout, which is rated below 20% is being experienced in places like old and new Bodija estates and some units in Mokola and Agbowo.

Despite the fact that election officials arrived at the various polling units visited at the time of filing the reports, the turnout of voters is not encouraging.

In their various comments, both the candidates and the voters admitted that the turnout was not encouraging in some areas.

The PDP candidate, Mr. Folajinmi Oyekunle, expressed satisfaction with the process at his polling unit, saying: “As far as my polling unit is concerned, I have cast my vote, and everything is going on well.”

But the candidate of the APC, Mr. Wale Olatunji, lamented the low voter turnout, despite the smooth conduct of the election.

“If you are sending us out to represent you, then you must come out and do your part,” he told reporters after voting at 11:25 a.m. at Bodija Police Station.

Also, a stalwart of the APC in Ibadan North, Prince Niran Adeyoju, commended the electorate for their peaceful conduct and called for sustained calm throughout the exercise.

Similarly, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Chief Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi, faulted the poor level of voter education in Nigeria, which she argued continues to fuel voter apathy during elections.

In his submission, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, has expressed concerns over allegations of large-scale vote rigging.

He submitted that various reports at his disposal on the ongoing election show that voters were approached with offers of money and other incentives in exchange for their votes during the election.

The ADC contended that such practices fundamentally undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the principles of democracy.

He stated that when voters are swayed by financial inducements, the true will of the people is obscured, leading to a loss of public trust in democratic institutions.

He further highlighted that the widespread occurrence of vote buying reflects a troubling trend in the political arena, where unethical tactics are employed to secure victory.

The ADC candidate commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the timely arrival of election materials.

He acknowledged that the efficiency helped facilitate the electoral process, allowing for a smoother operation of the voting exercise.

Akin-Alamu also noted a concerning trend of low voter turnout during the election, expressing disappointment that many residents did not participate, which he believes diminishes the overall effectiveness of the democratic process.

Also, some of the Election officials who preferred anonymity attributed the development to limited voter awareness and widespread apathy among the electorate.

At Ward 10, Unit 27 in Ibadan North Local Government, a voter, Oluwaseun Omisakin, characterised the low turnout as an indication of growing discontent with the current political climate.

She, however, praised the voting process as seamless and commended the efforts of the INEC ad-hoc staff.

On provision of adequate security as assured by the relevant security agents, the combined team of the Police, Army, and other security agencies is strategically positioned in the affected areas as listed by the police.

Also, our correspondent observed strict compliance with vehicular movement in some areas as directed by the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna. (Saturday Tribune)