Low Voter Turnout Marred Okura II By-Election in Kogi State

Strategic Insights -

The recently concluded Saturday Assembly by-election in Okura II constituency in Dekina local government area of Kogi State witnessed one of the worst voter turnouts in the state's history, with a mere 60,000 votes cast. The low turnout was attributed to fear of violence, biting economic hardship, and disenchantment with the government of the day. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Oliver Agundu, blamed politicians for not sensitizing and mobilizing voters, while the opposition accused the ruling party of compromising the election through heavy inducements and using thugs to scare away voters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The voter turnout for the Okura II by-election was approximately 60,000, indicating one of the worst voter turnouts in Kogi State's history.
  • The low turnout was attributed to fear of violence, biting economic hardship, and disenchantment with the government of the day.
  • The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Oliver Agundu, blamed politicians for not sensitizing and mobilizing voters for the election.
  • The opposition, African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused the ruling party of compromising the election through heavy inducements and using thugs to scare away voters in areas they felt they could lose.
  • The ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), attributed their landslide victory to the popularity of their party and the numerous achievements of the state governor.
  • The opposition is considering challenging the results of the election at the law court.
  • Six political parties fielded candidates for the by-election, with the APC's Musa Hassan Yakubu emerging as the winner with 55,073 votes.

Statistics:

  • Total votes cast: approximately 60,000
  • Winner: Musa Hassan Yakubu (APC) - 55,073 votes
  • Runner-up: Godwin Meliga (PDP) - 1,038 votes
  • Percentage of voters who compromised the election: not specified
  • Number of political parties that fielded candidates: 6

Sources:

  • "Kogi Decides: Low Voter Turnout Hits Okura II Constituency" by an unnamed correspondent, [Source publication date not specified]
  • Statement by Dr. Oliver Agundu, State Resident Electoral Commissioner
  • Statement by Kingsley Ogah, State Chapter Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
  • Statement by Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information, All Progressives Congress (APC)