Ondo bye-election: APM candidate, ex-Speaker lament voter apathy, blames insecurity
The candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election, Adeolu Akinwumi, blamed voter apathy on insecurity, saying many residents stayed away from polling units for fear of being kidnapped.
The candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election, Adeolu Akinwumi, blamed voter apathy on insecurity, saying many residents stayed away from polling units for fear of being kidnapped.
Akinwumi, said this while speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Ward 13, Unit 001 in Okitipupa Local Government Area.
According to him, “People don’t even feel secure to come to the polling unit. Fear of being kidnapped, and that’s just the truth.”
He commended those who defied their fears to vote, stating: “I want to thank those that have actually been brave enough to come out, those that still believe that democracy can still work and exist in Nigeria.”
Akinwumi said the low turnout was not entirely surprising, arguing that many residents had become disillusioned with the ruling party and were also concerned about their safety.
The APM bearer further alleged cases of voter inducement during the election, claiming that such practices could undermine the true wishes of the electorate.
“I’ve actually had several reports of voter inducement, which is the hallmark of the APC. It can actually reflect the mood of the state at the general election, but on the other hand, the result may not actually be the wish of the people,” he added.
Also speaking with journalists after voting at the same polling unit, former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, said hardship and transportation challenges resonated with voters apathy.
According to Akindele, many voters may have considered the election less significant because the tenure to be completed is relatively short.
“Our people are highly politically conscious people. I guess they just figured that it’s just 11 months after all. But it’s okay. It doesn’t matter. Anybody can go and finish it,” she said.
She noted that transportation costs also discouraged many eligible voters from travelling to their polling units.
“People come from very far to come and vote here. I’ve realised that only the people from this town, from this particular locality, have come out to vote. We have not less than 800 registered voters here, and I’m sure that if we have 100 votes, maybe not more than 100, 120 max.”
Meanwhile, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Faduyile, called on residents of the district to participate in the democratic process and assured them of quality representation if elected.
Speaking after voting, in his polling Unit 3 Ward 7, Okitipupa Local Government Area, Faduyile said his focus would be on ensuring a participatory style of governance that reflects the aspirations of the people.
He said; “my message to our people in the Southern Senatorial District is that this is another election where a new representative will emerge to represent them in the Senate.”
