Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State arrived at his polling unit on Saturday to participate in the ongoing governorship election.
The governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), arrived at Polling Unit 002, Umuezeadigo Street, in his hometown, Isuofia community, Aguata Local Government Area, at exactly 1:13 pm.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, cast his vote at Polling Unit 002, Ofeiyi Ward 13, Isiokoo, Aguata LGA at 1:22 p.m.
Before the election, Soludo had urged residents of the state to come out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights, describing the governorship poll as an opportunity to shape the state’s future.
The governor had earlier described his re-election bid as a divine project and a people-driven movement, saying it reflected the collective will of Ndi Anambra for continuity and sustainable development.
Labour Party’s candidate, Dr George Moghalu, has alleged vote buying in the ongoing governorship election in Anambra state.
He also lamented voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence of the electoral process.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after casting his Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi, Moghalu urged INEC to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He however said it was too early to confirm whether or not the process was fair and credible.
He said: “I didn’t hear issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm.
“In terms of voting, there’s improvement as against previous elections. I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monitise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it?
“There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout. And that’s has been the trend.
“It’s incumbent on INEC to keep improving on the process because voter apathy is the main issue.”
Moghalu hails security atmosphere, optimistic of victory
Labour Party’s candidate, Dr George Moghalu, has expressed satisfaction with the deployment of security personnel in the ongoing governorship election.
He however, said their level of professionalism would be determined at the end of the exercise.
Speaking to newsmen in his residence, Moghalu expressed optimism of victory at the poll.
He said, “I can’t make any categorical statement about the process of the election. As you can see, I’ve not voted.
“I’m still waiting for reports from my officers in the field before making comments on the process.
“But as per security, I’m happy with the level of security operatives deployment.
“I’m very optimistic of victory having done everything I should do. I’ve campaigned vigorously.
“The other aspects is left for the people. But like I always say, power belongs to God and he gives it to whomever he wills”.
96-Year-Old woman denied vote over missing PVC in Agulu
A 96-year-old woman caused a stir on Saturday at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi village in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, after she burst into tears when officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused to allow her vote for not presenting her Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
The elderly woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Onike, arrived at the polling unit early in the morning and joined other residents waiting to be accredited.
But upon reaching the verification desk, she was turned back by INEC officials who insisted that no one would be accredited without a PVC.
Visibly distressed, the nonagenarian pleaded with the officials, explaining that she had voted in the same polling unit for many years and could not understand why she was being denied this time.
She presented various hospital and other cards to journalists and sympathisers, saying she did not know that the card voters that was not with her. She frantically searched her bag for the voter card to no avail.
“I have been voting here for years. This is where I vote. I don’t know where I kept the card,” she said, struggling to hold back tears as neighbours gathered around to console her.
Residents of the community expressed sympathy for the old woman, with several calling on INEC to reconsider allowing elderly voters whose identities could be confirmed through other means to participate in elections.
Some noted that many elderly persons often misplace their cards due to age-related challenges.
However, INEC officials at the unit maintained that their directive for the governorship election was clear: no PVC, no voting.
They explained that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) required the physical PVC to authenticate voters before accreditation.
The incident briefly drew attention away from the otherwise calm and orderly process at the polling unit.
80-Year-Old Pa Morrison Okafor votes at Mgbakwu
Pa Morrison Okafor, an 80-year-old retiree, exercised his civic duty by casting his vote at Mgbakwu at 10:54 a.m.
Voters line up at 001 Unit, Mgbakwu, Awka North LGA, to cast their vote
At polling unit 001, Mgbakwu, Awka North LGA, a large crowd of voters lined up to cast their votes at 10:48 a.m.
Heavy Civil Defence presence ensures security
Civil Defence Corps Commander and his troop moving round to monitor situation on Saturday
Anambra Deputy Governor, Onyeka Ibezim, votes
Anambra Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, cast his vote at Central School 3 during the ongoing election.
Speaking after voting, Ibezim noted that although it was too early to assess the overall conduct of the election, the process at his polling unit had been seamless and peaceful so far.
Voting ongoing at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi
Presiding Officer Confirms Peaceful Process at All Saints Primary School, Onitsha
Accreditation and voting commenced 9.38 am at St Michael’s and Angel’s Parish Church, Enu- Ifite Awka.
The Presiding Officer, Chibuike Michael, confirmed that despite the late commencement, the process has been peaceful. He stated that there were no issues or disruptions.
Voting Commences Late at All Saints Primary School, Onitsha
At All Saints Primary School, Onitsha, voting did not begin until 9:00 a.m
Despite the delay, security personnel were present at the venue to maintain order and ensure a peaceful voting process.
Traders defy election day restrictions, conduct business at Gbarimgba Market, Eke Awka
Voters line up for accreditation and voting at Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s village, Ofeiyi Village, Isuofia, Aguata LGA
Early arrival of INEC materials at 014 Obi Nnewichi, voting commences as scheduled
014 Obi Nnewichi, with polling units, recorded early arrival of materials. Voting started as scheduled.
Presiding officer, Anyika Blessing, said some of their materials arrived late. She, however, said BVAS and other logistics are working smoothly
Voting begins at Ward 1 Nnewichi 016, INEC officials report smooth process
At Ward 1 Nnewichi 016 with 11 polling units, located at the central school in Nnewi North local government area, INEC officials arrived around 8am. Though logistics arrived a bit late, accreditation started before 8.30am
The Assistant Presiding officer, Mrs Joy Onyemobi said the process was going smoothly, adding that they were expecting more voters to join to exercise their franchise.
Accreditation and voting Commence at Polling Unit 003, Ward II Amudo Village, Udeozor Primary School, All Saints Church in Awka South LGA.
INEC materials arrive at Ward 01 Aroma 8:46 a.m.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports that 16 candidates from 16 political parties are contesting in the Anambra governorship election.
