The residents of Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, have cast their ballots in the Governorship election on Saturday..
High voter turnout was reported, under tight security, with the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC officials, and security personnel ensuring a smooth and credible voting process.
MORE: Anambra Residents Begin Voting Amid Tight Security
The early arrival of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at polling units in different parts of the Awka metropolis marked the commencement of Saturday’s governorship election.
Voice of Nigeria’s correspondents visited various polling units.
At all the polling units visited, electoral officials arrived as early as 7.30 am and prepared for the arrival of voters.
READ MORE: Anambra Governorship Poll: Electoral Officials, Materials Arrive Early
‘Optimistic’
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, expressed optimism about his chances in the election, voicing faith in God and in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver a transparent and credible outcome.
Ukachukwu, who cast his ballot at Polling Units 002, 011, and 012 in Osumenyi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, said he was proud to fulfil his civic responsibility — not just as a political contender, but as a citizen dedicated to the state’s progress.
FOR MORE ON THIS STORY: Anambra Governorship: APC Candidate Optimistic of Victory
‘High Voter Turnout’
Also, the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the ongoing Anambra State election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, praised the high voter turnout and the peaceful conduct of the poll, describing it as a positive sign for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking to journalists shortly after voting at Ogbugbankwa Polling Unit in Awka, Nweke expressed satisfaction with the participation of residents, noting that the large turnout defied earlier fears of voter apathy.
“There is no voter apathy as we haven’t witnessed it. People have turned out en masse to exercise their franchise,” Nweke said. “I am really impressed that voters understand the importance of good governance in our system. Their enthusiasm today is very encouraging.”
MORE ON THIS STORY: Anambra Election: Action Alliance Candidate Commends Voter Turnout
‘No glitches’
The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the ongoing Anambra State election, Dr. George Moghalu, has stated that there are no reported glitches in the process so far.
Speaking to journalists shortly after casting his ballot at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi, on Saturday, Moghalu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold its constitutional duty by ensuring a free, fair, and credible process.
“I didn’t hear of any major glitches so far. As we continue to monitor the process, we’ll be able to confirm how credible it is,” he said. “There’s some improvement compared with previous elections, but when a process is monetised, it’s no longer free or fair, ” expressing concerns about alleged vote buying.
For more on this story: Anambra Election: No Major Glitches So Far – LP’s Moghalu
‘Orderly and transparent.’
The governorship candidate of Nigeria’s Young Progressives Party (YPP), Sir Paul Chukwuma, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Anambra State governorship election held on Saturday.
Chukwuma, who voted at Polling Unit 004, Ward 14, Umuleri II in the Anambra East Local Government Area, arrived at his polling station around 12:40 p.m. He spoke to Voice of Nigeria shortly before casting his ballot.
The YPP candidate praised the early commencement of voting and the prompt distribution of election materials across polling units, describing the process as “orderly and transparent.”
MORE: YPP Candidate Hails Peaceful Conduct of Anambra Governorship Election
‘Seamless’
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, cast his vote at Polling Unit 002, Ofiyi Square, Isuofia Ward, in Aguata Local Government Area, amid cheers and applause from residents and voters.
Governor Soludo arrived at the polling centre accompanied by his wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, and their children. He was warmly received by enthusiastic constituents before he proceeded to cast his ballot.
Speaking to journalists after voting, Governor Soludo described the electoral process as “seamless, orderly, and peaceful,” noting that voter turnout was impressive and that both voters and election officials conducted themselves responsibly.
However, the governor expressed concern over reports of alleged vote buying in Nnewi South Local Government Area.
MORE ON THIS STORY: Anambra Governor Soludo Hails Peaceful Polls
For more updates on the Anambra Governorship: https://von.gov.ng/category/politics/
UO