By Joseph Adahnu, Yola
Residents of Adamawa State, expressed disappointment and disenfranchisement following the just-concluded local government elections, citing inadequate electoral materials and low voter turnout across many polling units in the state capital.
From the early hours of Saturday, voters gathered at various polling units, particularly in Karewa Ward in Jimeta, which had been delineated into five wards with several polling centres, including the Government Day Secondary School, Rumde. Many voters frowned at the unpreparedness of election officials, alleging that voting materials were insufficient in several locations.
Number of voters described the exercise as poorly organised and called on the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), to address the logistical challenges that affected the smooth conduct of the polls.
Despite the complaints, some residents noted that the overall atmosphere remained relatively peaceful and orderly. They urged ADSIEC to ensure transparency and release the election results promptly.
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On security, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, monitored the exercise in parts of the state. He appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding throughout the process.
The Chairman of ADSIEC, Mohammad, acknowledged the reported shortcomings but commended the overall efforts of the commission’s staff.
“Nothing in life is done 100 percent perfectly,” he said in an interview.
He assured residents that the commission would investigate the inadequate distribution and deployment of electoral materials to some polling units.
The chairman added that the commission is committed to identifying the causes of the lapses and would take appropriate action against anyone found responsible, to prevent recurrence in future elections.
Nevertheless, the election was largely conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, despite widespread complaints of logistical challenges that reportedly affected voter participation in parts of Jimeta metropolis.
