A team of election observers led by Mr Ibrahim Sheka from Kano, have blamed the low turnout of the Local Government polls in the state on Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.
Sheka told newsmen on Saturday in Makurdi after monitoring the elections in some parts of Makurdi town, that the conduct was smooth but blamed the poor turnout on the fear of COVID-19.
“The election is going on without any hitch, although the turnout is low, and we understand as this is due to the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said
Sheka lauded officials of the electoral umpire and the electorate for observing COVID-19 rules.
Also speaking after the monitoring exercise, the Chairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Council (BSIEC), Mr Joseph Loko, commended the electorate for orderliness during the polls.
Loko also commended BISEC officials for the “smooth conduct of Local Government Election in the state”.
Loko said collation of results would soon begin and expressed optimism that there would be no commotion at the end.
“So far, there has been no incidence of violence anywhere,” he said.
He also attributed voters apathy to palpable fears of COVID-19.
The polls did not hold in most designated polling units within and outside Makurdi, the state capital.
Gfhnews reports markets, including business outlets, were opened within the voting hours and no restriction placed on vehicular movement.
