Voter apathy mars Gombe LG polls

Saturday’s Local Government Area (LGA) election in Gombe state was marred by voter apathy in some areas as voters failed to show up at most polling stations.

The Nigeria News Agency (NAN), a correspondent who oversaw polls in the Gombe and Yamaltu / Deba LGAs, reports that most polling stations appeared empty at 10:30 am with no evidence of elections.

However, NAN reports that security in the metropolis of Gombe has been tight and the relevant authorities have imposed restrictions on vehicle and people movements.

Reports from some LGAs also show that many polling stations do not have many voters and that business continues unhindered.

However, there was a large turnout at the Yahaya Umaru 0-10 polling unit at Gombe Science Secondary School, where Governor Inuwa Yahaya cast his vote at exactly 11 a.m.

However, Yahaya, who praised the smooth running of the elections, lamented most of the voter violations of the COVID-19 security protocols.

Meanwhile, Gombe LGA election supervisor Malam Abubakar Baba, who spoke to NAN, said the elections in the region are going smoothly.

Some polling station voters, who spoke to NAN about their experience, expressed the hope that the elections would be free and fair and that their votes would count.