Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state and his Wife Hajiya Ummi Aisha el-Rufai have decried the low turnout of voters in Kaduna state in the governorship and state assembly elections.
Despite early arrival of voting materials across most of the polling units visited by Blueprint, the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections in Kaduna was marred by low turnout of voters in Kaduna South, Kaduna North and Igabi local government areas.
El-Rufai, who is the gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed optimism that the turnout will improve before the close of voting, just as his wife was optimistic that more voters will turn up as the voting continues.
The governor arrived his polling unit at Ungwar Sarki ward at exactly 8:27am and joined the queue, after insisting on showing good example by following others as a patriotic citizen.
Speaking after casting his vote, el-Rufai said, “I am very optimistic that the turnout will improve. I think people are taking their time to come out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice”.
Speaking on the security situation, the Governor lauded the security agencies for being proactive. “The military are out, although, they are not close to the polling unit, but they are out to ensure that everyone is safe. On the part of INEC, they have done well and we hope to have a peaceful election”.
Blueprint observed across Kaduna metropolis that election materials arrived most polling units before 8amand actual voting commenced by 8am but the voters were coming out in trickles.
Also, at Abeokuta street, Shaba Ward polling unit, the electoral officers decried voters apathy, noting that about 69% voters have been recorded in relation to last elections.
