On Saturday, several youngsters in Benin’s capital chose to play football instead of voting in the Edo State local government election, which was marred by voter apathy and low turnout in several polling units throughout the state.
The voting-age adolescents stated that they chose not to participate in the election because they had little interest in the electoral process and believed there was no serious political rivalry.
The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) conducted the election to choose chairmen for the 18 local government councils and councillors for the 192 wards.
further noted that, in addition to the youngsters, other market women and traders avoided the poll and instead went about their business.
Youths were seen playing football in Benin’s Oredo and Egor Local Government Areas.
They were playing football on the pitch of Uselu Secondary School, the voting location for Polling Units 1 through 10, Ward 8, Egor Local Government Area, while voting was in progress.
A similar situation was observed in Ward 4 adjacent Emokpae Primary School on Mission Road, and along Forestry Street in Ward 12 near the Edo City Transport Service headquarters, where multiple polling stations were located.
The kids erected goalposts and played football in several groups.
One of the players, Samson Osagie, stated that he was not motivated to participate in the election since it lacked genuine political rivalry.
According to him, the election was already settled because the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the only major political party there.
“We do not even know some of the candidates in the election,” he replied.
Thompson Momoh also stated that his absence from the polling unit was due to his inability to obtain his Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
“I just registered for my voter’s card, which is yet to be ready. If it is ready by the 2027 election, I will vote.
“Meanwhile, I joined the football match because there is a restriction order and I can’t go to work today,” he said.
Paul Omoregie, for his part, stated that he participated in the football game as part of his regular weekend routine.
Omoregie indicated that he plays football at the site every Saturday, and this Saturday would be no exception.
Traders were also observed displaying their items for sale on Oba Market, Lagos Street, Ebiwe, Mission Road, and Forestry Street as the election was underway.