Low Voter Turnout Marks Rivers Bye-Elections in Ahoada East and Khana Constituencies!

Low Voter Turnout Marks Rivers Bye-Elections in Ahoada East and Khana Constituencies!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa.

The bye-elections held on Saturday in parts of Rivers State recorded notably low voter turnout across several polling units in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas, according to observations from the exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The polls were organised to fill vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II. The vacancies followed the resignation of a former lawmaker in Ahoada East and the death of the representative for Khana Constituency II.

Field reports and images from multiple polling units showed sparse voter presence during accreditation and voting hours, with election officials and security personnel outnumbering voters in some locations. The low turnout came despite prior appeals from political stakeholders and electoral authorities encouraging residents to participate in the process.

Ahead of the election, INEC had confirmed logistical readiness and disclosed that tens of thousands of registered voters were expected to participate across the two constituencies. Security agencies also imposed movement restrictions in the affected areas to ensure a peaceful and orderly exercise.

Bye-elections in Nigeria traditionally experience lower participation compared to general elections, but the scale of voter apathy observed in parts of Ahoada East and Khana has raised concerns among civic observers about political engagement at the grassroots level.

Despite the low turnout, the elections proceeded peacefully in most areas monitored, with electoral officials continuing accreditation and voting in accordance with established guidelines.

The bye-elections form part of Nigeria’s constitutional process for filling legislative vacancies and were conducted in line with INEC’s approved timetable for the state.

Sources:
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Punch Newspapers
TheCable
TheWill Nigeria
The Star Nigeria

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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