IBADAN: The low turnout of voters earlier observed at the commencement of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election on Saturday has begun to ease as more residents gradually came out to cast their ballots.
Voting activities at Yemetu Ward 03 commenced a little after 11am with residents steadily arriving at the polling units.
Speaking on the process, a voter, Damilola Ogunade, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for the smooth conduct of the exercise.
“As you can see, voting is ongoing without any hitch. INEC officials arrived on time and came with sufficient voting materials,” he said.
However, reports of alleged vote-buying surfaced in some areas. Security operatives on duty confirmed that suspects were apprehended for attempting to induce voters with cash.
Earlier in the day, low participation was recorded at certain polling units. At Apete, for instance, out of about 1,000 registered voters, only 300 had completed accreditation as of midday, while INEC officials waited for others to turn out.
Meanwhile, the exercise at Salvation Army Polling Unit 05 recorded early commencement, with residents expressing satisfaction at the process and increasing voter turnout.
Similarly, at Ward 06 in Sabo, Mokola Roundabout, voting was reported to be proceeding peacefully without disruptions.
