Obaseki decries low voter turnout in Edo

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has appealed to the security agencies monitoring the election to stop the security barricades in Benin City, so that the voters go to the polling units to exercise their franchise, crushing the low turnout.

Mr. Obaseki made the appeal after casting his vote at about 10:17 am at Emokpae Model Primary School, Unit 19, Ward 4 in Oredo Local Government Area of ​​Edo State.

The governor-elect’s wife Betsy Obaseki, who voted at around 10:14 a.m., described the turnout as the worst in the center.

He noted that INEC moved some voters to polling units far away from their homes, which resulted in many people not voting.

“This is the worst turnout I have ever seen or experienced in this center. The extreme security measures that have been taken should be relaxed. As you know, there is a total lockdown of the city, preventing people from exercising their civic responsibilities.

“It is important that we have security during the elections, but not too many. The presence of many security officers around the city is scary. Most people want to stay away from the polling units.

He added: “People whose polling units have been moved cannot walk to the new polling units. People have to drive to their polling places, but with barricades set up all over the city, they will not be able to reach the polling units.

“I am asking the security agencies that while maintaining tight security, they should grant exemptions when people have proof that they will vote. The people should be allowed to vote so that more people come out. The total security lockdown in the city prevents people from voting .

“I encourage Edo residents to come out and vote because there is adequate security.”