The ongoing Local Government elections in the 21 councils of Anambra State are facing challenges with low voter turnout and the absence of electoral materials and personnel at some polling stations.
Reports from journalists monitoring the elections indicated a strong security presence at the visited polling units and wards.
It was observed that daily activities continued uninterrupted as only a handful of voters were seen at polling stations, including PU 002 at Ofuiyi Square, Umueze in Isuofia Ward 13, and PU 007, Central School, Ozala, in the same ward within Aguata Local Government Area.
Other visited locations included PU 002, Ward 01, Ekwulu Village Hall, Umuona, along with PUs 004, 005, 006, and 007 in Umuona, all within Aguata LGA.
At Ofuiyi Polling Unit 002 in Isuofia Ward, Aguata LGA, electoral officers reportedly arrived at 8:15 am, with voting starting by 8:30 am. However, at PU 002, Ward 01, Ekwulu Village Hall, Umuona, voting materials were yet to be delivered as of 9:00 am.
A voter at Ward 01, PU 002, Mrs. Joy Okenyi, attributed the low voter turnout to a general disinterest in the elections. "Normally, during elections, various political parties and candidates are actively campaigning, but this time it’s a one-party affair, so people lost interest," she explained.
Mr. John Ikpeze, another voter at Ofuiyi Polling Unit 002 in Isuofia Ward, expressed optimism, saying, "This is the first local government election in years, so people are still adjusting and confirming it’s happening. I believe as the day progresses, more voters will show up."
Meanwhile, in Awka South, many voters were left stranded due to the absence of officials from the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) at several polling centers.
By 11:00 am, polling units around the Government House area in Awka South, known as Agu Awka, had neither received electoral materials nor seen the arrival of ANSIEC staff.
Similarly, electoral officials were missing at the Nwafor Orizu demonstration school in the Commissioners' Quarters, Awka.
Despite restrictions on movement and business activities during the election, vehicular traffic persisted in parts of Awka South, with some shops remaining open for business.