#AnambraDecides: Few snags as election begins amid massive security (LIVE UPDATES)

By Jethro Ibileke

Today, November 6, 2021, is the Governorship Election Day in Anambra State, Nigeria’s Southeast.

18 political parties will participate but the three leading candidates for the election are Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, their fates will be decided by 2.5 million registered voters and the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct a hitch-free, fair, and credible election.

Anambra with over 4 million population consists of 21 local government areas.

There are 5,720 Polling Units (PUs) across the state.

However, there would be no voting in 86 PUs because there are no voters there, according to INEC.

The commission is conducting the election after recovering from a series of violent attacks on its facilities in the South-east.

The attacks have been linked to the outlawed pro-Biafra group, IPOB, whose initial sit-at-home order threatened the conduct of the Anambra election.

Although IPOB has canceled its sit-at-home order, there is a general apprehension that many voters may stay away from the poll because of the fear of violence.

Update

Residents of Awka, the State capital, began coming out of their respective homes from as early as 7 am, but on a gradual and cautious note.

Generally, the bustling city took a solemn look with an intimidating presence of security operatives everywhere.

At about 8 am when our correspondent visited Ezenifite Town Hall, Okpuno, in Awka South LGA, INEC Adhoc staff were seen waiting to receive voting materials for onward movement to their respective polling centers.

Three polling units, 008, 018, and 019, ward 19, polling officers were already setting up their equipment in readiness for the voting activities.

The hall also serves as Registration Area Centre (RAC) and collating center.

The Registration Area Officer, Ibrahim Ganiyu, disclosed that they worked overnight at the center to ensure that adhoc staff move to the field as early as possible.

He however said that the NYSC Adhoc staff still need to be guided on the process of the election.

An INEC Adhoc staff, a member of the NYSC, who did not want her name mentioned in print, told our Correspondent that the official time for the commencement of accreditation and voting is 8.30 am.

Reports from other local government areas across the state, also had it that voting was yet to commence at 8.30.

A 63-year-old woman, Madam Theresa, told our Correspondent that she came to exercise her franchise as a good citizen of Nigeria.

“I am 63-years-old. I am a native of Cross Rivers state, but my late husband is from this town. I came out to vote as a good citizen of Nigeria. I am not afraid of any kind of harassment or intimidation. Even if they shoot me, I will die and go to where my late husband is,” she said.

Update

Finally, voting commences at unit 008, ward 19, Ezenifite.