Abia State Residents Share Mixed Feelings ahead of Saturday’s Polls

Some residents of Umuahia, the Abia state capital in south east Nigeria have expressed optimism for the upcoming gubernatorial and state legislative elections slated for Saturday, March 18 2023.

While some of them are optimistic about voting for a change of government, others have their reservations. 

Residents who spoke to Voice of Nigeria said they were not satisfied with the last presidential election that took place on February 25, 2023. Therefore, they do not have the zeal to vote again.

A resident, Kennedy Ihionu said “I pray that the right person wins in Abia state. I’m optimistic that the election will go well tomorrow.”

Obiamaka Anaetoh hopes in God for a rewarding election.

“I’m expecting that things will turn around for the next eight years. May God give us someone with conscience,” she prayed.

For Chigozie Chukwuemeka, “I will go out and vote. We are not happy with the process of election in Nigeria but we shouldn’t give up. Hopefully, the right person will emerge.”

Another respondent, Cynthia Oluoha however has a different stance.

“INEC did not count our votes during the presidential election. Therefore I will not go out to vote tomorrow”, she said.

Meanwhile the Assistant Director, Public Affairs INEC in Abia state, Bamidele Oyetunji assured residents of the state that INEC is fully ready to conduct a hitch-free election in all the 17 local government areas in Abia state.

“Already we have prepared adequately for this election. That ugly incident we experienced during the presidential election will not happen again,” he said.

The head of Publicity and Sensitization in INEC in Abia State, Rebecca Jim, added that the adhoc staff have been trained to ensure proper use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS.

The governorship and state house of Assembly elections will hold on March 18, 2023 in 17 local government areas of the state, alongside other 27 states of the federation.