The by-election for the Enugu North Senatorial District in Enugu State commenced peacefully but with low turnout of voters in many polling units across the zone, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Election materials distribution and delays
Election materials started arriving at some collation centers from 9:00 a.m., except in areas with difficult terrains, according to a NAN correspondent who monitored the election on Saturday. However, the turnout of voters in some areas across the six local government areas was poor, with voters trickling in slowly.
Speaking to NAN at the Amaechenu polling unit in Nsukka Local Government Area, which has two polling units, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who did not want his name in print said the exercise commenced early. “Materials have just arrived and the agents of the parties, as well as the voters have inspected the materials; so, we are commencing immediately,” the official said. Some voters in the polling unit expressed readiness to cast their votes, but turnout remained low.
Voting in Udenu Local Government Area
In another polling unit at Ogbodu Aba community in Udenu Local Government Area, voting commenced at about 10 a.m., NAN reports. A community leader, Sunday Ugwueke, told NAN that the exercise was smooth and peaceful. “I have just voted. They started around 10 a.m and it has been peaceful,” Ugwueke said.
The Chairman of Udenu Local Government, Aka Eze-Aka, cast his vote at about 9:10 a.m. at the Agamede Polling Unit in Obollo Eke. After voting, he commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise so far, praising INEC and Governor Peter Mbah for a smooth process.
Party officials express satisfaction
Chris Ezema, chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Nsukka Local Government Area, and his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Desmond Onah, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the by-election. They commended INEC for the prompt distribution of electoral materials.
As of 9:37 a.m., accreditation and voting had started in many polling units, though the number of voters was low. At Union Primary School, Nsukka, and Township Primary School, Obeachara polling units, accreditation and voting were in progress.
Residents share experiences
A resident, Ngozi Agbo, said she had voted after accreditation, noting that INEC staff and security personnel were available as early as 8 a.m. Another resident, Vincent Ugwu, who said he had voted at the Obeachara polling unit, commended the early arrival of INEC officials and electoral materials.
At all polling units visited, there was a presence of security personnel, with accreditation and voting proceeding without any form of violence, except for the low turnout of voters. Although major markets in Nsukka were closed because of the election, some shops and other businesses, including filling stations, remained open.
Background of the by-election
The by-election followed the demise of Okechukwu Ezea, the senator who had represented Enugu North, who passed away in November 2025. NAN reports that five political parties—including the APC, PDP, NDC, LP, and Boot Party—are participating in the election.
