Regardless of the conduct of native authorities elections throughout Lagos State on Saturday, voter turnout remained strikingly low, with many residents selecting to keep away from polling models in obvious protest over what they described as a scarcity of credibility within the electoral system.
In quite a few neighbourhoods, streets have been quiet all through the morning, as residents both stayed indoors or lingered outdoors their properties, expressing little or no real interest in taking part within the polls.
Some Lagosians attributed the widespread apathy to deep-rooted disillusionment with the electoral course of. Mr Godfrey Johnson, a 54-year-old resident, summed up the prevailing sentiment: “What’s the purpose in voting when our votes don’t rely? We’ve misplaced religion within the system. Till credible elections turn into a actuality, folks will proceed to decide out.”
Many others echoed his views, describing the persistent lack of transparency in previous elections as a serious purpose for public disengagement, regardless of repeated guarantees from authorities and electoral our bodies to uphold democratic integrity.
Mr Taofeek Sumonu, 41, stated he was not shocked by the low voter turnout. “This has turn into routine. Folks are likely to ignore native authorities elections. It’s the governorship and presidential contests that entice actual consideration and participation,” he famous.
Whereas electoral officers have been stationed at numerous polling centres throughout the state, the general ambiance was subdued.
In lots of areas, solely a small variety of voters turned as much as solid their ballots, reflecting the rising disconnect between residents and grassroots political processes.
