The candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Saturday’s Ondo South Senatorial District by-election, Adeolu Akinwumi, has attributed the low voter turnout recorded across the district to economic hardship and insecurity.
Akinwumi, who spoke with journalists after monitoring the exercise, described the election as peaceful and transparent despite reports of BVAS network challenges in some polling units.
“I think it has been a very peaceful conduct so far. I don’t like to characterise it as a very low turnout, but I think the process has been very peaceful and seemingly transparent thus far,” he said.
Reacting to reports of BVAS malfunction, the APM candidate said he had not personally observed the challenge but urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue improving its processes to avoid disruptions.
He said many residents were reluctant to visit polling units because of security concerns and growing economic difficulties.
“People don’t even feel secure to come to the polling unit. There is fear of being kidnapped, and that’s just the truth. I want to thank those who have been brave enough to come out and those who still believe democracy can work in Nigeria.”
Akinwumi also alleged incidents of voter inducement during the election, warning that such practices could affect the credibility of the outcome and prevent the poll from reflecting the true mood of the electorate ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, the by-election should ordinarily serve as a barometer of public sentiment ahead of the next general election, but reports of inducement could distort the wishes of voters.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, blamed voter apathy on a combination of economic realities, transportation costs, and the perception that the election was of limited significance because the winner would spend only a short period in office before the next general election.
She also defended the decision of some traders to open their shops despite the restriction of movement imposed by security agencies, saying the harsh economic situation had made daily business activities essential for many residents struggling to survive.
