Electoral officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission have begun deploying to polling stations across Awka South Local Government Area as Anambra State prepares for its gubernatorial election today.
In the early hours of Saturday, INEC workers were observed leaving St. Matthew Catholic Church in Awka, heading to various polling units across the area. Similar activity was recorded at Community Primary School, Amawbia, where ad hoc staff assigned to Wards 01 and 02 arrived promptly at 7:07 a.m. Buses transporting both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials departed the venue as personnel made their way to designated locations.
The electoral body has confirmed that 2,802,790 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election across 5,718 polling units distributed throughout the state’s 21 local government areas. The voting exercise will take place simultaneously across all three senatorial districts.
Sixteen candidates are competing for the governorship position, with five major contenders leading the race. Incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. He faces stiff competition from Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, Paul Chukwuma representing the Young Progressives Party, George Moghalu of the Labour Party, and Jude Ezenwafor flying the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party. Additional candidates from smaller political parties are also in contention.
The electoral commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting a peaceful, transparent and credible election. Officials have pledged strict compliance with electoral guidelines while ensuring the timely deployment of personnel and voting materials to all parts of the state.
Voters across Anambra are expected to commence accreditation and casting of ballots according to the established schedule as the state decides its political leadership for the next four years.
