Adeolu Akinwumi blamed insecurity for the poor turnout. The APM candidate said voters feared kidnapping at polling stations.
Akinwumi cast his ballot at Ward 13, Unit 001 in Okitipupa Local Government Area on election day. He spoke to journalists immediately after voting.
"People don't even feel secure to come to the polling unit," he told reporters. "Fear of being kidnapped, and that's just the truth."
He praised those who showed up despite their concerns. Akinwumi noted that their courage demonstrated belief in Nigeria's democratic system.
Low voter turnout wasn't entirely unexpected, in his view. Many residents had grown tired of the ruling party and worried about their safety.
Akinwumi alleged vote-buying took place during the election. He said such tactics were typical of the APC and could distort the people's true preferences.
"I've actually had several reports of voter inducement," he stated. "It may reflect the state's mood in general elections, but the result might not be what the people actually want."
Jumoke Akindele, the former Speaker of Ondo's House of Assembly, also voted at the same unit. She blamed economic hardship and transport costs for keeping voters away.
According to her, the short remaining tenure discouraged participation. "It's just 11 months after all," Akindele noted, suggesting voters saw little reason to turn out.
She highlighted the travel burden on residents. Many came from distant areas, she explained, making the trip costly and exhausting.
Akindele estimated registered voters at around 800 in that locality. She doubted whether more than 100 or 120 ballots had been cast.
"Only people from this town have come out to vote," she observed. "Those from other areas simply stayed home."
Dayo Faduyile, the APC's candidate, struck a different tone. He urged residents to participate in the democratic exercise.
Faduyile voted at Unit 3 Ward 7 in Okitipupa Local Government Area. He promised quality representation if voters chose him for the Senate.
"This is another election where a new representative will emerge," he told journalists. His focus would be on participatory governance reflecting people's needs, he added.
Faduyile assured the district of his commitment to responsive leadership. He didn't address the apathy concerns raised by his opponents.
