Low Voter Turnout in Enugu North By-Election Despite Peaceful Process

The by-election for the Enugu North Senatorial District in Enugu State started off peacefully but saw many voters staying away from the polls.

A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed the election in the district on Saturday. Election materials began arriving at some collation centers from 9:00 a.m., though some areas with tough access had delays.

Sadly, voter turnout was low in many places across the six local government areas. Voters were seen coming in very slowly.

At the Amaechenu polling unit in Nsukka LGA, an official from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who chose to remain anonymous, said they started early.

"Materials have just arrived and the agents of the parties, as well as the voters, have inspected the materials; so, we are commencing immediately," the official said.

Some voters there said they were ready to vote, but still, the turnout was disappointing.

In another polling unit at Ogbodu Aba in Udenu Local Government area, NAN reported that voting began around 10 a.m.

A community leader, Sunday Ugwueke, told NAN that the process was smooth and peaceful. "I have just voted. They started around 10 a.m and it has been peaceful," Mr Ugwueke said.

NAN also reported that the Chairman of Udenu Local Government, Aka Eze-Aka, had already cast his vote. He did this at about 9:10 a.m. at the Agamede Polling Unit in Obollo Eke.

After voting, he praised the peaceful nature of the exercise and thanked INEC and Governor Peter Mbah for making it smooth.

Chris Ezema, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Nsukka Local Government Area, and Desmond Onah, his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party, were happy with how the by-election was conducted. They praised INEC for quickly distributing electoral materials.

By 9:37 a.m., accreditation and voting had started in many polling units, but the number of voters remained low.

At the Union Primary School, Nsukka, and the Township Primary School, Obeachara polling units, accreditation and voting were ongoing.

A resident, Ngozi Agbo, said she voted after accreditation and noted that INEC staff and security were present as early as 8 a.m.

Another resident, Vincent Ugwu, who voted at Obeachara polling unit, applauded the early arrival of INEC officials and materials.

In all the polling units visited, security personnel were present, and there was no violence, only the low turnout of voters.

Even though major markets in Nsukka were closed for the election, some shops and businesses, including filling stations, remained open.

This by-election took place after the death of Okechukwu Ezea, the senator who represented Enugu North, who passed away in November 2025.

NAN reports that five political parties took part in the election: the APC, PDP, NDC, LP, and Boot Party.