The local government council election in Kwara State was held on Saturday in a generally peaceful atmosphere, with no major incidents of violence or disruption reported. However, despite the calm environment, the election was characterized by a noticeable level of voter apathy, as turnout was lower than expected in various parts of the state.
The election, which was observed across several locations, experienced a delayed start due to the late arrival of polling officials and materials at many polling stations. In most polling units, particularly in Ilorin, the state capital, and other surrounding areas, voting did not commence until around 9:30 am, well after the scheduled time. This delay was attributed to logistical challenges in the distribution of election materials.
While commercial vehicles were largely absent from the roads due to the state’s vehicular movement restrictions on election day, some market women opted not to participate in the election. Instead, they continued with their daily business activities. Reports from markets in Ipata and Ganmo, located in the state capital, indicated that traders and market women carried on with their commercial activities, showing little interest in casting their votes.
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, participated in the election, casting his vote at polling unit 004 of Adewole ward in the Ilorin West Local Government Area. After casting his vote, the governor commended those who turned out to participate in the election, praising the electorate for their commitment to the democratic process. Governor Abdulrazaq emphasized that democracy has taken root in the state and expressed optimism about the future of local governance in Kwara. Despite the low voter turnout and initial logistical challenges, the election was successfully conducted, reinforcing the state’s democratic processes.
