Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo has expressed disappointment over the low voters turnout in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, particularly among the youth.
Speaking in Benin City during an interview with Channels Television as election results began to trickle in, Itodo described the situation as both “sad and disappointing,” noting the lack of young voters at the polls, despite many candidates on the ballot being from the younger demographic.
“Majority of those who are actually on the ballot are young people, and it is just sad to see that there are not too many young people that showed up to cast their vote,” Itodo stated
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He highlighted a significant discrepancy in voter participation, with some polling units hosting over 1,700 registered voters but seeing turnout numbers as low as 100 to 200.
In a separate statement, YIAGA Africa reported widespread irregularities, including vote buying and polling unit disruptions.
The group, which deployed 300 stationary and 25 roving observers across the state’s 18 local government areas, noted cases of voter bribery in several areas, including Ikpoba/Okha, Igueben, Esan West, Akoko Edo, Owan West, and Uhunwode LGAs.
“APC and PDP agents were seen offering voters cash incentives of N10,000 in various polling units, such as Idumoka Primary School in Igueben LGA and Enikaro Primary School in Ikpoba/Okha LGA,” YIAGA Africa reported.
The organization also documented instances of polling disruptions. In one polling unit, voters halted the accreditation process due to the absence of an official stamp, while political violence in other areas led to the suspension of voting and damage to election materials.
Edo residents went to the polls to elect a new governor for the next four years, with 17 candidates in the race, including Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, and APC’s Monday Okpebholo.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over 2.6 million voters were registered for the election, though the final voter turnout figures are expected to be significantly lower than anticipated.
