As voters across Anambra State head to the polls, civil society groups have expressed optimism that the governorship election will hold peacefully despite the heavy deployment of security operatives.
Speaking during an election monitoring exercise, Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa and representative of a civil society organisation observing the poll, said the general atmosphere across the state remained calm, with residents demonstrating restraint and commitment to protecting their communities.
“The security situation is not something to worry much about. The Anambra people are peace-loving. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves,” Epelle said.
He, however, cautioned that the heavy presence of security agents, while reassuring, should be managed properly to avoid creating unnecessary tension. “The presence of security agents can be a plus, but they need to watch it so they don’t become the very breach they’re trying to prevent,” he noted.
Epelle disclosed that he and other civil society representatives met with police officials at a pre-election town hall meeting, where officers assured them of neutrality and professionalism throughout the process. “They assured us they will not be partisan because problems arise when the opposition perceives compromise, and that’s when skirmishes begin. They must conduct themselves honourably and adhere strictly to their brief,” he said.
He also warned against possible interference from top-level security officials at the headquarters, noting that such actions could lead to avoidable distractions during the voting process.
Encouraging citizens to participate actively, Epelle urged voters to overcome apathy and turn out in large numbers. “This election is about the people of Anambra deciding their future. We must ensure our voices are heard,” he added.
Meanwhile, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began early deployment of election materials to polling stations in Awka South Local Government Area on Saturday morning. At St. Matthew Catholic Church, INEC staff boarded buses to various polling units, while ad hoc personnel assembled at the Community Primary School, Amawbia, covering Wards 01 and 02, before leaving at about 7:07 a.m.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, assured residents of a smooth and secure exercise, confirming that clearance operations had been conducted in identified flashpoints, including Ihiala, and that major threats had been neutralized.
Anambra, which has 2,802,790 registered voters across 5,718 polling units and 21 local government areas, will witness a contest among 16 candidates. Prominent contenders include Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
At Udeozo Primary School, Awka, the governorship election commenced at exactly 8:30 a.m., with accreditation starting smoothly under the mango trees where three polling units were located.
While some young men nearby chose to play football instead of voting, citing lack of faith in the electoral process, a 79-year-old voter, Mr. Ogbodo, who cast his ballot around 8:55 a.m., described the process as “smooth” and prayed it would remain so throughout the day.
