Residents of Bauchi displayed indifference toward the local government elections as they went about their daily routines, despite the restrictions on vehicular movement imposed by the State Police Command.
Our correspondent, who traveled to the northern zone of the state to monitor the exercise, noticed that all major markets in villages like Soro, Tashan Kutare, and others were bustling with activity.
Villagers were seen flocking to the markets to conduct business when they were supposed to be at the polling centers casting their votes in an election that will determine governance at the third tier.
Some people who spoke to our correspondent expressed ignorance about the election, claiming they were unaware it was taking place.
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However, they stated that they are always ready to support the government, noting that the Governor Bala Mohammed-led administration has made significant contributions to the development of the state.
Meanwhile, there was confusion in some polling units in Gamjuwa Local Government during the local government elections.
At Unguwan Wakili PU 033, an agent of a political party initially spoke to journalists as if he were an official of BASIEC, but further probing revealed he was actually a party agent posing as an electoral official.
A similar situation was observed in two other polling units in the area, where only agents from a particular party were present.
One man, who claimed to be a party agent, had no identification and was unable to name his party’s chairman when asked.
In Ningi Local Government Area, which has 18 wards, elections had not commenced in some wards, including Kafin Lemo, Bashe, Kurmi, and Yuwa, as of the time journalists visited.
Auwal Ahmed, speaking via phone interview, mentioned that as of 1:00 PM, the election materials had yet to arrive at Kafin Lemo.
Aminu Samaila from Limi, Yuwa Ward, also reported that they were still waiting for the election materials to arrive.
However, in some polling units in Burra Ward and Ningi Ward, the election had already started.
