After several postponements, local government elections in Yobe State took place yesterday across the 17 local government areas of the state amid security challenges.
Turnout was unexpectedly high with Governor Ibrahim Gaidam who cast his vote in his village at the Bukarti Primary School Polling Unit amidst cheers from the crowd describing the turn-out as “impressive and encouraging.”
Our correspondent who monitored the elections in some villages of Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Bade, Geidam and Yunusari observed that voting began as early as 8am.
The election was generally peaceful and the logistics fair.
There was, however, heavy security presence in all the polling booths as well as major streets in Damaturu with soldiers, police, civil defence corps and immigration officers on alert.
Shops and other businesses were closed while restriction on movement was imposed throughout the state from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reports from other parts of the state also spoke of security build up to forestall any unforeseen circumstances.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state opted out of the election, citing security challenges and the state of emergency in the state.
However, the State Independent Electoral Commission decided to go ahead with it because the emergency rule excludes democratic structures in the state.
Gov. Gaidam after casting his vote expressed happiness that the day went without any reported case of violence in any part of the state.
He, however, told his detractors whom he described as ‘Abuja politicians’ to hide their faces in shame, adding that the successful election has rubbished the impression about insecurity in the Yobe State being created by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of 2015 general elections.
Some of the election observers who spoke to our correspondent commended the State Government and the State Electoral Commission for their courage to conduct the election.
Dr. Hanatu Binyat, Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, noted YSIEC has demonstrated that SIECs are capable of holding elections at all levels in the country.
Mr. Femi Bafunsho, Chairman Justice and Equity for All, an NGO, who observed the conduct of the polls, said the turn out in most polling units was commendable.
The Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Hajiya Hannatu Binyat, told NAN that reports received from across the state spoke of a peaceful conduct of the election and congratulated the people for a successful exercise.
Coordinator of NGOs monitoring the election in the state, Ali Abatcha noted that the election is a litmus test for people who believe that elections cannot be held in the state in 2015.
Member representing Geidam, Yunusari, Bursari Federal Constituency, Goni Bukar described the election as a triumph for democracy.
According to him, the successful conduct of the election is a testimony that peace has returned to the state and no political activity in the state can be subverted.
Ten parties participated in the polls.
