Impressive turnouts of voters were seen across polling units during Saturday’s governorship election in Aguata Local, Orumba South and North Government Areas of Anambra.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that most of the voters arrived their various polling units before officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Some of the polling units visited by NAN correspondent included those in Ward 13 with PU 002 at Ofiyi Square, PU 011 at Ikemee Primary School PU 001 at Amorji Primary school and PU 013 at Community primary school isuofia in Aguata LGA.
The INEC officials arrived at about 8.a.m with accreditation a at about 8:15.a.m even as security personnel were present at these PUs.
One of the voters, Mr Charles Orazulike, said he arrived at his polling unit, PU 001, Amorji Primary School, Isuofia, by 7 a.m. and was able to cast his vote at 8:40 a.m.
He commended the improvement in the election process with the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), noting that it made voting faster and more convenient.
“I didn’t experience any stress before voting, unlike in the 2021 election when I had to stand in a long queue because the BVAS was not functioning properly,” he said.
Mr Azubuike Ezechukwu, President-General of Ekwulobia Town Union, expressed satisfaction with the voting process and urged Anambra people to come out and perform their civic duties.
NAN also visited PU 001 at Amokwe Square, PU 005 at Etti village hall, PU 010 at Umudala Hall and PU 016 at Central school, ifite, all in Nanka ward l, Orumba North.
Accreditation of voters and voting commenced on 8.30 a.m at these polling units.
NAN also learnt that electoral materials and officials arrived on time at the polling units.
Mrs Anastasia Ikejiogwu, a retired teacher who voted at PU010, Umudala Hall, described the process as calm and peaceful.
“You can see that people really came out this time to perform their civic duty. Everything is calm and stable; there is no tension.’ Accreditation and voting have been ongoing since 8:30 a.m.,” she said.
Also at PU 014 and 013 in Community High School, as well as PU 017, Uba Hall, all in Ward 001 Nanka in Orumba North LGA, voting was in progress.
In Orumba South, NAN visited PUs 002, 003, 004 and 005 Ward 3 at Community school, all in Umunze.
Also visited were PU 001 at Community School, PU 002 at Aruikpa Square, PU 003 at Uhu Square, PU 004 at Umueze Square and PU 005 at Afor Market Square, all at Umuchukwu.
Voters were seen queuing in large numbers as voting proceeded peacefully.
Pa Chibuike Amuruba, an 81-year-old voter at PU 004, Umueze Square, told NAN that voting remains a vital responsibility of every citizen toward building a better society.
“I’m 81 years old, and I still come out to vote because I believe my vote matters.
“I have witnessed many elections in my lifetime, but I still have hope that things will get better if we all continue to play our part,” he said.
NAN reports that there was heavy security presence across the polling units with police officers, soldiers and other security operatives stationed at strategic points to ensure a peaceful voting process.
Patrol teams were also seen along major roads in Aguata, Orumba South, Orumba North and other areas.
