A downpour which persisted from July 19, has disrupted the commencement of the Local Government Area elections in Ebonyi, on Saturday.
A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who monitored the situation around Abakaliki and surrounding areas, reports that people were still inside their houses as at 9.am due to the downpour.
There were no voters in many polling units visited while officials of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC, and security agents were scarcely seen.
NAN reports that the rain started at the early hours of Saturday in most parts of the state and had been heavy as at the time of this report.
A Resident of Abakaliki, Justus Okafor, told NAN that there was no need defying the rains to vote in an ‘already concluded elections’.
“The election is all about the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) so why should I expose myself to unfavourable weather conditions to come out early.
“I might still come out to vote but definitely not under this rain,” he said.
An Electoral Officer who spoke under the condition of anonymity said the elections would go on as planned with or without the downpour.
“We are set for the elections and hope for a massive turnout as the day progresses.
“Our job is to conduct the election while the politicians bother on who controls the electorate,” he said.
Stella Okeh, an Election Observer, urged voters to come out en masse and cast their votes to ensure a credible process.
“The notion that the ruling party will dictate proceedings at the election should be corrected because other parties are equally participating.
“The massive defection of opposition members into the APC does not mean that those parties no longer have members,” she said.
NAN reports that about six political parties are contesting for the chairmanship and councilors positions in the 13 council areas of the state.
Meanwhile, EBSIEC did not disclose the names of other political parties contesting the elections with the APC.
NAN
