Voters’ Apathy, Boycotts by Political Parties Characterise Bayelsa LG Polls 

.Diri, deputy express satisfaction, opposition kicks 

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The elections held in the local government areas (LGAs) in Bayelsa State yesterday were characterised by voters’ apathy and boycotts by the major political parties in the state.

The only political party in the elections was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), and the emerging force in the state, the All  Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) did not field candidates in the elections that were viewed by  many as a mere formality.

When THISDAY visited many of the polling units as early as 8am, there were no signs of electrical officers from the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC), and no presence of voters at the polling units.

Reports from some of the communities in other local government areas indicated the same low turnout as many preferred to stay indoors, 

However, speaking after casting his vote at his home town, Sampou, Kolokumq/Opokuma LGA, the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended BYSIEC for the organisation of the local government elections.

Diri also said reports available to him indicated that the polls were generally peaceful across the state.

But the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the state, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, has described the elections as undemocratic and shameful.

Diri spoke to journalists shortly after voting at 10.15am alongside his wife, Dr. Gloria, at his Kalamaowei Wari Unit 4 ward 6 in Sampou community, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA.

He expressed optimism that the PDP would emerge victorious in the 105 wards of the eight local government areas as it was the only party with wide acceptance and vigorously campaigned across the state ahead of the election.

He said: “PDP enjoys the support of the people and judging from the outcome of the November 11, 2023 governorship election, our party will still take the upper hand.

 “As you have seen, the voting process was peaceful and seamless and l think if this is the way it is in every other unit and ward, then we expect a peaceful and successful local government election to usher in a new leadership at the third tier of government,” the governor said.

Responding to a question on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state did not participate in the election, Diri said only the faction led by Dennis Otiotio under the control of Chief Timipre Sylva boycotted the polls, adding that the party had more than one faction.

At Ofoni, Sagbama LGA, where the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ehwrujakpo, cast vote, there was late arrival of BYSIEC officials and election materials at polling units as recorded in most parts of the state.

 Senator Ewrudjakpo, who cast his vote at the Community Primary School Ofoni, by 10:36am, said the late arrival of election materials was the only criticism he had against BYSIEC, adding that elections in Nigeria must improve in terms of the fairness and credibility, as well as in the qualities. 

He said: “You can see, the community has just gathered, the materials have just arrived. The only criticism is that the materials are arriving a little bit late and that is the only criticism I have for BYSIEC as far as these issues are concerned. I believe they will learn their ropes. It is a gradual process; it is a new curve they are going into and I believe they will improve on it.” 

Security in the state was also peaceful as the Bayelsa State Police Command had earlier assured the people of their commitment to ensuring social harmony an

 Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the LP in the state, Eradiri, said the entire electoral process was fraught with high-handedness, corrupt practices and other irregularities with results already predetermined by the state government.

 He alleged that the members of the ruling PDP were all over the streets boasting publicly that the results of the polls had been written and that only the candidates of their party would sweep all the positions.

 Eradiri, a former Commissioner for Youth and later Environment, said: “From a compromised Bayelsa State Electoral Commission to a process designed to favour only the ruling PDP, the local government electoral process in Bayelsa State is laughable, non-competitive and undemocratic and will surely become a scam, a sham and a charade”.

Eradiri urged the National Assembly to amend the law establishing local government administration to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct elections into vacant positions.