Voting Begins Peacefully As Anambra Residents Elect New Governor

Voting has officially commenced across polling units in Anambra State as residents head to the polls to elect a new governor for the next four years.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that materials were deployed to all 21 local government areas early Saturday morning, with over 2.8 million registered voters expected to participate in the exercise.

Reports from various parts of the state indicate that polling commenced in several locations before 8:30 a.m., as voters arrived early to beat the expected rush. Channels Television correspondents monitoring the election noted that voting was already underway at Community Primary School in Amawbia and Fegge in Onitsha, among other areas.

Calm Atmosphere Across Polling Units

The mood in many communities remained peaceful as security agencies maintained visible presence at strategic points across the state. Civil society observers also reported that residents appeared relaxed and confident about security arrangements.

A representative of a civil society organisation, Jake Epelle, said voters had little to worry about, describing the election environment as “peaceful and encouraging.”

“I think INEC has done well so far in terms of logistics, and the people are coming out gradually,” he said. “Security is tight and calm.”

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were also spotted at some polling centres, including the Community Primary School in Amawbia, to monitor and discourage incidents of vote-buying. However, an election observer, Dimma Nwobi, raised concerns about isolated reports of inducement in a few areas.

Anambra Decides: INEC Moves Election Materials to LGAs Under Tight Security

Despite these concerns, movement across major roads such as the Onitsha Bridge remained restricted to ensure safety and smooth voting. Residents were seen trekking short distances to reach their polling stations.

Calls For Transparency And Accountability

Ahead of the election, several stakeholders had urged INEC to ensure a credible process. The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said political parties should be held accountable if voter turnout was low.

“Voter apathy doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” he noted. “Political parties have a duty to mobilise citizens, not just to campaign but to build trust in the process.”

Similarly, senior lawyer Professor Joash Amupitan called on INEC officials to ensure transparency, warning that excuses for lapses would not be accepted.

At many polling stations visited, INEC ad hoc staff were seen setting up early, with materials arriving on schedule in areas like Awka South and Oyi Local Government.

Some elderly voters expressed excitement about participating in the process, saying they arrived as early as 7 a.m. to cast their votes.

As voting continues through the day, INEC and security agencies have assured residents that the process will be free, fair, and hitch-free. Counting of votes is expected to begin immediately after polling ends at 2:30 p.m.