Date: 21 June, 2016
By Jane Daniel
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has described the Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election as peaceful and commended large turn out of electorate despite adverse weather conditions.
Prof. Ugwu made the remarks on Saturday after casting his vote at Polling Unit 004, Obukpa Ward, in Nsukka Local Government Area.
The bye-election, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), took place across the six local government areas that make up the Enugu North Senatorial District: Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Etiti, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani.
According to the commissioner, the turnout of voters was encouraging, with many residents demonstrating commitment to the democratic process. He particularly praised female voters who endured the rain and remained at polling centres to ensure their votes counted.
He noted that reports from various polling units within Nsukka indicated that the exercise was largely peaceful, with no signs of voter apathy.
Prof. Ugwu also commended security personnel deployed for the election, describing their conduct as professional and reassuring to voters.
While acknowledging initial challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), he said the situation improved as the day progressed, allowing eligible voters to cast their ballots without major disruptions.
He, however, urged INEC to strengthen its logistics, manpower training and technological infrastructure to enhance future electoral exercises.
The bye-election was held to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Okechukwu Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District until his passing in November 2025.
Seven political parties, including the APC, PDP, Labour Party, NDC, PRP, ADC and Boot Party, participated in the election.
