The people of Anambra State trooped out in large numbers on Saturday to elect their next governor, with reports of impressive voter turnout across several polling units. Among those who voted was a 110-year-old man, Pa Onwujiobi Nwafor, who cast his ballot at Ward 13, Unit 002, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area.
Similarly, 92-year-old Madam Roseline Umeorji also exercised her franchise at the same ward, joining other elderly citizens who turned out early to participate in the election. In another touching scene, a 74-year-old blind voter, Pa Julius Nwafor, was assisted by his daughter, Ofeoma Nwafor, to cast his vote.
At Umudimakasi Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008, supporters and residents waited for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, to cast his vote.
Bishop Owen Nwokolo of the Diocese on the Niger also voted at All Saints Primary School, Onitsha. He commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise and the voter turnout, urging political actors to uphold the peace accord signed ahead of the election. “Only one winner must emerge, and everyone must accept the will of the people,” he said.
Across various polling units in Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi, and Aguata, INEC officials were seen setting up materials as accreditation and voting commenced. However, minor hitches were reported at some polling stations, including a delay at the General Post Office, Onitsha, where one of the polling tables developed technical issues, prompting officials to seek replacements.
From Awka, a 72-year-old man was reported to be the first to vote at Udozo Primary School, Awka Ward 2, while voting also progressed smoothly at Ezechima Primary School and Aroma Junction.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that 2,802,790 registered voters were eligible to participate in the election across 5,718 polling units. The exercise also marks the first major election under the leadership of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who assumed office on October 23, 2025.
Sixteen candidates are contesting the governorship seat, including the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Dr. George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP). Others include Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Chioma Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC), among others.
The election, which is being monitored by local and international observers, is expected to be keenly contested as voters decide whether to retain Governor Soludo or usher in a new administration.
As at press time, the electoral process remained largely peaceful, with security agencies maintaining a visible presence and major roads such as the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway deserted.
