11th November, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
As the clock ticks to zero hour for the Imo state gubernatorial election, there is palpable apprehension in the state, as electorate are approaching the election with utmost caution.
Findings in Owerri, the state capital, show that electoral materials and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arrived early at the various voting centers, but the electorate seem not forthcoming.
Some residents who spoke with our Correspondent blamed the development on the poor state of insecurity in Imo.
This perhaps explains why some of the polling units visited between 8 and 9 am remain virtually empty.
As at 8.23 am, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had arrived at Unit 012, Owerri municipal, GRA, preparing to commence voting activities.
But, like some other voting centers, there was not so much as one prospective voter on ground to exercise their civic responsibility.
Speaking to out Correspondent at New Owerri area of the city, a resident who identified himself simply as Kingsley, noted that the people are being cautious in their approach to the election.
“One cannot blame the people for not coming out for the election as expected. The security situation in the state calls for caution,” he said.
Kingsley who condemned the militaraization of electoral process in the country, however expressed optimism that as the day unfolds, “people will definitely come out to cast their votes.”
Also speaking, a woman who gave her name as Chidiebere, expressed her willingness and determination to cast her ballot at Owerri municipal 2.
Although she has concern over security situation, she was happy that security operatives are on ground to take charge of any situation.