By G9ija
On Saturday, the governorship and State House of Assembly elections held in Rivers State experienced a low voter turnout.
This was in contrast to the high turnout witnessed during the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25th.
There was a lack of enthusiasm among the electorate, as some polling units in Woji, Elekahia, and Rumuomasi areas of the state had not started voting as of 9:40 am.
The polling units in the area saw a lower number of people compared to the Presidential and National Assembly election held previously, despite the state having over 3.5 million registered voters.
In certain parts of Port Harcourt, youths were observed playing football on the streets without restrictions.
Despite the presence of policemen, soldiers, and other security operatives, there is an air of calm in Port Harcourt and its environs. Voting has commenced in Governor Nyesom Wike’s Ward 9, Unit 7A, although the governor himself has not yet arrived to exercise his right to vote.
Dr Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, has cast his vote at Ward 4, Unit 10 Jack-White Compound in Degema. Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Chief Lulu-Briggs, has cast his vote at Unit 1, Ward 4 also in Degema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
The low voter turnout could be linked to the political tension in the state, as well as the military and police show of force on Friday.
Reports of malpractice in certain areas of the state have been cited by some as another possible reason for the low voter turnout.