The Ibadan North Federal Constituency residents returned to the polls today in a by-election organised to fill the vacant House of Representatives seat left by the late Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi.
Akinremi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away in July last year, and his death created the need for a fresh election in the constituency.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled the exercise across all twelve electoral wards that comprise the federal constituency, with voting expected to commence by 8:30 a.m.
However, early reports from various polling units show that voter participation has been alarmingly low. In some locations, turnout barely reached 20 per cent, reflecting widespread apathy and disenchantment with the political process.
For example, at Ward 10, Unit 28 in Old Bodija, electoral officials were seen waiting idly with ballot papers and other materials, as no voters had arrived by 9:00 a.m.
The story was not much different at Unit 27, where only a few individuals turned out to cast their votes. Some residents described the situation as a sign of public frustration, arguing that citizens no longer feel motivated to engage in elections that do not deliver meaningful change.
While confirming the low turnout, Election officials pointed to limited voter sensitisation as one significant reason.
According to them, many eligible voters either did not receive adequate information about the by-election or chose to ignore it. Despite the presence of security personnel who ensured calm and orderliness, the general atmosphere remained subdued.
A voter at Ward 10 told reporters that the low turnout should be seen as a message to politicians, insisting that many people have lost confidence in the system.
Others linked the apathy to economic hardship and repeated unfulfilled promises by past representatives.
Political observers believe the by-election may eventually serve as a test of party structures and grassroots mobilisation rather than voter enthusiasm.
They argue that the result, when announced, could provide an insight into how political parties can rally support in a constituency struggling with low civic engagement.
When this report was filed, voting was still in progress across the wards, with results expected to be announced later in the day after collation.
Stakeholders, including party agents and observers, remain on the ground to monitor the process and ensure its credibility.