Politics

Anambra LG Elections: Voter Apathy and Missing Officials Create Chaos at Polls

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 29th, 2024.

Anambra LG Elections: Voter Apathy and Missing Officials Create Chaos at Polls

The local government elections in Anambra State are facing significant challenges, including a notably low voter turnout and the absence of electoral materials and staff at several polling units across the 21 council areas.

Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate a strong security presence at the polling stations visited, yet many residents were engaged in their daily activities rather than participating in the elections. In particular, polling units such as PU 002 at Ofuiyi Square in Isuofia Ward 13 and PU 007 at Central School, Ozala, showed minimal voter activity.

In Aguata Local Government Area, other polling units, including PU 002 at Ekwulu Village Hall in Umuona, reported similar issues. At Ofuiyi polling unit, officials arrived at 8:15 AM, with voting starting at 8:30 AM. However, by 9 AM at Ekwulu Village Hall, voting materials had still not arrived.

Voter Mrs. Joy Okenyi commented on the situation, attributing the low turnout to a lack of interest among the populace. “In typical elections, multiple parties and candidates campaign vigorously, but this time it feels like a one-party affair, which has led to disinterest,” she noted.

John Ikpeze, another voter at Ofuiyi polling unit, expressed hope that participation would increase as the day progressed. “This is the first local government election in years, so many people are still confirming that it’s actually happening. I believe as voting continues, more people will turn out,” he stated.

Meanwhile, in Awka South, potential voters were left waiting as officials from the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) were missing from some polling centers. By 11 AM, polling units near the Government House, also known as Agu Awka, had not received either electoral materials or staff.

Similar absences were reported at the Nwafor Orizu Demonstration School at the Commissioners’ Quarters in Awka. Despite police restrictions on movement and business activities during the polls, some shops remained open, and vehicular traffic was observed in various parts of Awka South.