The Anambra State local government election on Saturday recorded low voter turnout in parts of Awka, the state capital, despite the early arrival of election materials at some wards.
The development was also observed in Onitsha and Nnewi, the state’s commercial and industrial hubs.
Correspondents monitoring the exercise observed officials of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), voters and security personnel at some polling centres as of 9 am.
Security operatives were deployed to strategic locations, with no security breach reported as of the time of filing this report.
Unlike some previous elections, neither the government nor security agencies announced any movement restrictions ahead of the exercise.
The absence of movement restrictions may have contributed to the low turnout, as residents were seen going about their normal activities, while commercial and vehicular activities continued in different parts of Awka.
In Onitsha, most polling units visited recorded poor turnout, with many residents engaged in their usual businesses on Saturday morning.
At Egbuna Adazi Street and School Road in Odoakpu, several shops were open, while some youths played football on the street.
Only a handful of voters were seen at polling units in the area awaiting accreditation and voting.
Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, gave the assurance while leading election security monitoring patrols across the state.
Ama visited the ANSIEC office in Awka before proceeding on patrol along the Onitsha Expressway, Otuocha axis in Anambra East Local Government Area, Onitsha and other strategic locations.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and security-conscious.
“The patrol is aimed at assessing the security situation, monitoring the deployment and conduct of personnel, and ensuring a safe, peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections across the state,” he said.
Olatunde commended voters, election officials, and NSCDC personnel for their orderly conduct and professionalism, saying the exercise remained peaceful and free of any security breach.
