Apathy, vote trading overshadow calm Anambra poll

The much-anticipated Anambra governorship election ended on a peaceful note but was tainted by widespread voter apathy and allegations of vote-buying, leaving many questioning the credibility of the exercise.

Sixteen candidates contested in the election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yet the enthusiasm that once defined Anambra’s political scene was visibly missing.

While voting materials arrived on time in some polling units, several others witnessed late commencement, further dampening participation.

Across key towns such as Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi, the turnout was notably low. Many youths and traders shunned the exercise, preferring to go about their daily activities.

At Port Harcourt Road in Onitsha, some residents were seen playing football just a few metres from a polling centre.

Despite restrictions on vehicular movement and the closure of major routes, including the Niger Bridge linking Delta and Anambra, the election atmosphere remained calm.

However, the peaceful mood did little to mask the growing disinterest among voters. Observers described the apathy as troubling.

Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, criticised political parties for failing to connect with the electorate.

“If voters are not showing up, parties must take responsibility. Either they’re not communicating effectively or voters simply don’t trust them,” he said.

Amid the low turnout, reports of vote-buying and attempts at result manipulation dominated conversations among candidates and observers.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate John Nwosu, African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Chioma Ifemeludike, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, all expressed displeasure over what they described as blatant vote-trading during the polls.

Governor Soludo accused unnamed actors of plotting to rig the election but maintained confidence in the system. “Our people are vigilant, organised and united. Once the system works, we are confident of victory in all 21 local governments,” he said.

APC’s Ukachukwu, after casting his vote, condemned the practice of exchanging money for ballots.

“If there’s no seller, there can’t be a buyer. When you sell your conscience, you lose your voice as a citizen,” he said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of three suspected vote-buyers in different parts of the state, adding that they would be prosecuted after investigations.

Despite these irregularities, security agencies hailed the exercise as largely successful.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, Abayomi Shogunle, said the peaceful conduct justified the deployment of over 45,000 officers across the state.

With sorting and counting concluded, the focus has now shifted to the collation of results at INEC’s headquarters in Awka.

As of 10 p.m. on Saturday, the commission had uploaded 99% of polling unit results to its results viewing portal (IReV).

Heavy security was observed around the collation centre as journalists, observers, and party agents awaited the official announcement of results.

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