The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election commenced peacefully across the six local government areas of the zone, but voter turnout remained low in many polling units despite the early arrival of electoral materials and the presence of security personnel.
The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election began peacefully on Saturday across the six local government areas of the zone, although voter turnout remained low in many polling units visited during the exercise.
Election materials reportedly arrived at several polling and collation centres from about 9:00 a.m., with delays recorded only in a few locations affected by difficult terrain.
Despite the timely deployment of materials and election officials, many polling units witnessed a slow flow of voters as accreditation and voting commenced.
At the Amaechenu Polling Unit in Nsukka Local Government Area, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the process started early after electoral materials were inspected by party agents and voters.
“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 at the polling unit expressed readiness to participate in the election but acknowledged that attendance remained low.
At Ogbodu Aba Community in Udenu Local Government Area, voting commenced at about 10:00 a.m. according to residents.
A community leader, Mr. Sunday Ugwueke, described the exercise as peaceful and orderly.
“I have just voted; they started around 10:00 a.m. and it has been peaceful,” Ugwueke said.
The Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Mr. Aka Eze-Aka, also cast his vote at about 9:10 a.m. at the Agamede Polling Unit in Obollo Eke.
Speaking afterwards, Eze-Aka commended the peaceful conduct of the by-election and praised both INEC and the administration of Governor Peter Mbah for ensuring a smooth electoral process.
Political party leaders also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise. The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nsukka Local Government Area, Chief Chris Ezema, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in the area, Mr. Desmond Onah, commended INEC for the prompt distribution of election materials.
As of 9:37 a.m., accreditation and voting had commenced in many polling units, including Union Primary School and Township Primary School, Obeachara, where election officials and security personnel were already on ground.
Residents who participated in the exercise praised the early arrival of election materials and officials.
Mrs. Ngozi Agbo said she successfully voted after accreditation, noting that INEC staff and security operatives arrived before voting commenced.
Similarly, Mr. Vincent Ugwu commended the prompt deployment of ad hoc staff and electoral materials at his polling unit.
Security personnel were visible at all polling units visited, while voting and accreditation proceeded without reports of violence or disruption. However, low voter participation remained a recurring feature across the area.
Although major markets in Nsukka were closed in compliance with election regulations, some businesses, including filling stations and retail shops, remained open.
The by-election was conducted to fill the vacant Enugu North Senatorial seat following the death of Senator Okechukwu Ezea in November 2025.
Five political parties – the APC, PDP, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Labour Party (LP), and Boot Party – are participating in the contest.
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