REPORTER: RITA ONYEKWE
Some residents of Nsukka Metropolis have expressed disappointment over the conduct of the 2026 local government election in the state.
They made their feelings known while speaking with Radio Nigeria.
A secondary school teacher, Mr. Osmond Ekene, attributed the low voter turnout to what he described as government’s failure to meet the expectations of the electorate.
According to him, when the choices of voters are not reflected in the electoral process, they become discouraged from coming out to vote.
Also speaking, a graduate of Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Mr. Sabastine Odo, described the election as a “one-party selection system,” which, according to him, does not reflect democracy.
He added that until the government allows the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the judiciary to operate independently, the country would continue to witness low voter turnout in elections.
A trader at Ogige Market, Mrs. Ukamaka Ugwu, said election day was, for her, an opportunity to rest and clean her house.
According to her, she decided not to vote because she believed her vote would not count, as the winner was already known.
The residents urged the incoming government to reduce the high cost of taxes and ease the financial burden on citizens.
Radio Nigeria correspondent Rita Onyekwe reports that youths were seen playing football on the streets, while most shops remained open for business.
