The Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election on Saturday witnessed mixed reactions from candidates of the major political parties over voter turnout and the conduct of the exercise.
All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Adewale Olatunji, expressed concern about low participation after casting his ballot at Ward 10, Unit 27, Bodija Police Station. He noted that despite the simplified voting process, by-elections in Nigeria are often marred by poor turnout.
“If you are sending us out to represent you, then you must come out and do your part,” Olatunji urged.
On the other hand, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, commended the peaceful nature of the exercise after voting at the same unit as his APC rival. “As far as my polling unit is concerned, everything is going on well,” he said.
Across other polling stations, turnout varied. At Abadina, University of Ibadan, voters arrived in large numbers, with INEC officials said to have arrived even before the electorate. Some voters, however, complained about last-minute changes to their polling units without prior notice.
A substantial turnout was also reported at Ward 4, Unit 12, beside NTA Ibadan, where the process was described as smooth and orderly.
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