All Eyes on Ihiala as INEC Concludes Anambra Governorship Election
•Adjusts voting timeline for supplementary poll
•APC alleges rigging, to contest result in Supreme Court
•State govt assures Ihiala people of security as billionaire sons, daughters mobilise indigenes in diaspora
•CLEEN Foundation seeks improvement in BVAS technology
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
With the supplementary poll in the Anambra State governorship election holding today in Ihiala Local Government Area, attention has shifted to the council area, just as interests have heightened among the various stakeholders.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, in line with extant rules and regulations, announced a slight adjustment to the commencement and closing time for the supplementary election. INEC said polling would now commence at 10am and end at 4pm.
The commission had on Sunday declared the November 6 off-time governorship election in Anambra State inconclusive owing to the suspension of voting in Ihiala Local Government Area on account of alleged irregularities.
But the All Progressives Congress (APC) accused the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and fellow party man and incumbent governor of the state, Willie Obiano, of rigging the election.
However, the state government appealed to the people of Ihiala to come out en masse today to cast their votes, assuring them of adequate security.
Meanwhile, CLEEN Foundation said there was need for INEC to improve on logistics and operational challenges associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to deliver more transparent and credible elections.
Ahead of today’s voting, prominent sons and daughters of Ihiala had mobilise indigenes of the area at home and in the diaspora to vote in today’s supplementary election.
Last Saturday’s governorship election was declared inconclusive after the exercise was cancelled in Ihiala. Though, Soludo had crossed the threshold requirement for victory after winning 18 out of the 21 local governments areas in the state.
Despite the fact that Soludo was in apparent victory, the situation in Ihiala necessitated a supplementary poll to avoid disenfranchising the area’s huge voting population of over 148, 000.
Announcing the adjustment to the voting timeline for Ihiala, INEC said, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, “We urge political parties, voters, election duty officials, election observers, the media and the general public to note this slight modification. We also appeal to citizens to conduct themselves in an orderly manner to ensure that the election is brought to a peaceful conclusion.”
However, Chairman of APC in the state, Basil Ejidike, accused Soludo and Obiano of rigging while rejecting the results so far declared by INEC. It vowed to contest the results to the Supreme Court, if INEC went ahead to declare Soludo winner of the election.
Ejidike said APC would never accept the election’s outcome. He called for cancellation of the election.
He stated, “We want the whole world to hear our voice that we will never accept the outcome of the Anambra gubernatorial election. The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the sitting Governor, Willie Obiano, manipulated the whole electoral system and we will stand to resist it.
“We virtually won in all the local governments, but Willie Obiano and Charles Soludo, through instrumentality, corrupt-minded INEC officers, subverted the whole process in favour of APGA.
“But if INEC goes ahead to announce the results, we will definitely challenge the election process at the court of law, up to Supreme Court. Nobody can intimidate us.”
Ejidike also addressed a press conference in Awka. He said despite the party’s protests, there were no truth in some press statements attributed to the party, and being circulated in the media.
He said, “There have been too many information ascribed to us that is not true. Some people wrote whatever they liked and credited it to the party, when it didn’t come from the party. One of them was the one that said APC has denounced the exercise, and called for cancellation, and the other was that we said we were heading to court to challenge the election.
“There is another one that said that I collapsed, after hearing the result of my ward, where they claimed I lost. I want to make it clear that they were false information. None of them emanated from us.
“The picture saying that I collapsed is false. My polling unit 002 bridgehead market, Onitsha, was won by APC. I had 95 per cent in the unit and even in my ward. If you look at the picture they are circulating, you will know that it has no resemblance of my person at all. Please, discard the information.”
But the state government assured the people of security through a public announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu.
Chukwulobelu announced, “This is to inform the public, particularly, residents and voters in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Tuesday, 9th November, 2021 as the date for the 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial supplementary election for Ihiala local government area only.
“Anambra State Government, working with relevant security agencies, hereby assure Ndi Ihiala that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect life and property during the election. All are encouraged to come out and vote for the candidate of their choice.
“As Ndi Ihiala may have observed, elections were successfully and peacefully held in the other 20 local government areas of Anambra State and INEC has duly announced the results. No incidence of violence or voter molestation was recorded in the Anambra gubernatorial election, which held on Saturday, 6th November 2021.
“As a reminder, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had previously cancelled the sit-at-home order earlier announced and encouraged Ndi Anambra to come out and vote. Anambra will continue to remain the light of the nation.”
CLEEN Foundation said there was need for INEC to improve logistics and address operational challenges associated with the BVAS. The Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) noted that the election was visibly marred by logistics and operational challenges with regard to the distribution of election materials and late arrival of INEC officials at many of the polling units.
The foundation stated that the challenges led to late opening of polling in some units, the extension of the polls from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, and subsequent disenfranchisement of some eligible voters due to unavailability of election materials and INEC officials.
In a statement by Acting Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Ruth Olofin, the foundation recommended that INEC should conduct more voter awareness on the BVAS machine.
CLEEN said, “INEC result portal should be improved for more transparency and accountability through automation of the sum of votes received by political parties at the polling units; INEC should prosecute electoral offenders to serve as deterrent to others;
“INEC should provide enough sensitive materials, such as Braille for voters with visual impairment; the commission should train and retrain electoral officers and ad-hoc staff to enable them meet with the changing needs of the electorate in Nigeria.”
In related development, THISDAY gathered that prominent indigenes of Ihiala, who began mobilising to ensure large turn out of voters on Tuesday included Mr. Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson; chairman of Air Peace Airline, Allen Onyema; and Chairman of Seplat Oil, Dr. ABC Orjiakor, among others.
Ihiala is reputed as the local government with the highest concentration of billionaires in Anambra State, after Nnewi, and it also boasts the second largest voting strength in the state, after Idemili North Local Government Area.
The local government will today decide the fate of the major candidates in the governorship race, as 148,000 voters in the area go to the poll.
Sources told THISDAY that the major candidates in the Anambra governorship election had shifted their attention to Ihiala, pressing to mobilise voters for themselves. It was further gathered that many voters from Ihiala, who resided in other towns, had been coming home since noon yesterday, in preparation for today’s poll.
“Some of our brothers, who live in Lagos and Abuja, have already arrived by air, on the sponsorship of some of our billionaires,” a source said.
Obiano, too, was alleged to be pressing some of the notable figures in the state to work for APGA and ensure that Soludo won the election.
Soludo is currently leading with about 45,000 votes, but with 148,000 votes still up for grabs, if the Ihiala people decide to favour PDP’s candidate, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo or APC’s Senator Andy Uba, they could comfortably make anyone of them the next governor of the state.
But a source said Onyema was already working hard to ensure Soludo emerged victorious.
Not unexpectedly, the governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, has withdrawn from the race and thrown his weight behind Soludo. Nwankpo, after allegedly consulting with his party leadership, elected to support Soludo.
The ADC candidate said, “Today, by 18.46 pm, I and my wife, Bar. Obiageli Nwankpo, spoke with Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the gubernatorial candidate of APGA and congratulated him for a hard fought election and, in fact, conceded to him the title of the next governor of Anambra State.
“My dear friend and brother, I have studied the trend of this election and seen clearly that the people of Anambra State want you to lead a deep seated effort to reform and rebuild our state. Anambra State must now become a state run on the basis of the will and desire of our people. I add my voice in calling the people of Ihiala Local Government to rise up and resoundingly end this election by massively voting for Soludo.
“Let there be no doubt that Ihiala LGA stands where the rest of Anambra State stands. I further advise you to mount the horse of great leadership and reach out to other candidates with humility and respect so that together we can all stop pressure-cooking Anambra State and start rebuilding.
“Reach to Val Ozigbo, who is much loved, and to Dr. Andy Uba, who has equally fought a hard campaign. Let us, together, build a state, where all men of faith can find comfort and partnership in Christ.
“Congratulations, Odenigbo. I will vote APGA tomorrow and be assured Ihiala will massively vote APGA tomorrow.”
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021
12:50AM
Breaking: INEC Declares Anambra Election Inconclusive, Poll Holds in Ihiala Tuesday
By David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has declared the Anambra governorship election inconclusive.
This is because of the inability of the commission to deploy staff and materials to Ihiala local government area, as a result of security threat.
Returning officer in the election, Prof. Florence Obi said the election would now hold on November 9, to complement the 20 local government areas election result, already announced.
Obi said: “we have collated results for 20 local government areas, and Ihiala is still outstanding as the commission was unable to deploy to the area.
“Based on constitutional provision, supplementary election will be held in Ihiala. So we have to conclude the election in Ihiala to be able to conclude the process.
“I plead with you to support INEC, so we can bring this election to a conclusion, to the glory of God. The election for Ihiala will hold on November 9.”
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2021
11: 55 PM
Soludo Wins Controversial Orumba North LGABy David-Chyddy ElekeThe All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate Chukwuma Soludo has been announced winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Orumba North.There had been controversy about the result of the local government, after the collation officer, Dr Godwin Otu, alleged that his Electoral Officer connived with thugs to make him sign the result sheet for the election, under duress.The Electoral Officer had however denied, accusing the collation officer of not being composed.The presiding returning officer, Prof Florence Obi, had however constituted a panel, headed by Dr Otjong, chairman of Academic Staff Union of University in University of Calabar to look into it.At the resumed session, Dr Othong said, “After looking at the matter, we saw no evidence of use of BVAS, we also discovered police crisis in the local government at the local government collation centre, and also, heavy mutilation of the result sheet.“Committee resolved to call for the BVAS machine used in the area, but that was not achievable as the BVAS were said not to be readily available.”The committee after a long time resolved and read out the result as follows :PDP – 1847APC – 2672APGA – 4787This is the 18th local government won by APGAout of 21.
7: 12PM
Nnewi North LGA
APC 1278
APGA 3369
PDP 1511
YPP 6485
Nnewi South LGA
APC 1307
APGA 3243
PDP 2226
YPP 1327
Ogbaru LGA
APC 1178
APGA 3051
PDP 3445
YPP 484
Ekwusigo LGA
APC 1237
APGA 2570
PDP 1857
YPP 727
6: 43PM
APGA Wins in 17 Anambra LGAs, INEC to Deliberate on Orumba North, Ihiala
By David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the full results of the 2021 Anambra governorship election for 21 local government areas of the state.
INEC announced Anambra West, which was the last local government, with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winning the election.
In the result of Anambra West, which was announced by the INEC returning officer for the local government, Dr German Anagbogu showed that APC got 1,233, PDP got 1,401 while APGA won with 1,918.
The collation has however adjourned for 40 minutes, after which the final result may be announced.
State returning officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, said: We are going to discuss one of the local governments (Orumba North), then in Ihiala there was no election at all. We will take a break now and come back.”
6: 16PM
Soludo Wins Awka North LGA
By David-Chyddy
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Chukuma Soludo, has won Awka North Local Government Area.
The local government is the 16th local government the party has won out of the 20 local government areas that have been announced so far.
Two of the local goverments, Ihiala and Orumba North failed to hold election, while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP won Ogbaru Local government, and Young Democratic Party won Nnewi North.
PDP polled 840 votes, APC got 755, while APGA won with 1908 votes.
3: 39PM
Accord Candidate, Maduka, Loses LGA to Soludo
By David-Chyddy Eleke
Candidate of Accord, in the Anambra governorship election, Dr Godwin Maduka, has lost his local government area, Orumba South.
Maduka lost to the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidqte, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, which has so far won 10 out of the 11 local government areas announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The Las Vegas, US based medical doctor scored an abysmal 779 votes in his local government, which has 74,690 registered voters and 10,554 accredited voters.
He was also defeated by all other leading political parties in the race, despite being very popular in his local government. APGA scored 4,394 to win the local government, and was followed by All Progressives Congress, APC with 2,060 and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP ehich scored 1,672.
1: 51PM
Anambra Guber: Soludo Wins Ayamelum LG
The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has won in Ayamelum Local Government of the state.
In the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa, the state capital, Sunday, Soludo polled 3,424 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 2,804, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) polling 2,409.
Soludo has won in all the five local government results declared so far.
1: 12PM
Breaking: Soludo Wins Anaocha, Peter Obi’s LGAThe All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has defeated the former governor go Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, and Senator Uche Ekwunife, in their local government area.
Both are from Anaocha LGA, and also members of the Peoples Democratic Party. Senator Victor Umeh also hails from the local government area.Dr Okene Isaac, a lecturer with University of Calabar, who was the local government collation officer said: “Total number of voters 109860, accredited Voter 15940.The three major political parties scored as below:APC, 2085APGA, 6911PDP, 510812: 49PM
Breaking: Soludo Wins Oyi LGA
The All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate, Chukwuma Soludo, has won its third local government in a row, in the result of the Anambra Governorship election result currently being announced at the INEC headquarters in Awka.
The returning officer of the Local Government, Dr James Aboh, of University of Calabar announced the election result as follow:
Total number of registered voters – 100764
Accredited voters – 13241
APC, 2830
APGA, 6133
PDP, 2484
12: 28 PMBreaking: Soludo Wins Awka SouthThe All Progressives Grand Alliance Candidate, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has won the governorship election in Awka South of Anambra State, held on Saturday.
The returning officer of the local government, Prof offiong offiong a professor of linguistics in university of Calabar announced the result at the INEC collation centre in Awka.He said: “the total Number of registered voters is 17,6812, and Accredited voters – 23854.The parties scored as follows:APC – 2595APGA – 12891PDP – 549812: 19 PM
Soludo Wins Dunukofia LGA
By David-Chyddy Eleke
The all Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been announced winner of the Anambra Governorship election in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Alexander Timothy of the university of Calabar announced the result at INEC collation centre in the the headquarters of the commission in Awka.
He stated that no incidence of violence was registered.
Reg voters – 74,855
Accredited voters – 10134
APC – 1991
PDP – 1680
APGA – 4124
12: 10PM
BREAKING: INEC Begins Collation of Anambra Governorship Election Result
By David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has begun the collation of results for the 21 local government areas of Anambra State in Saturday’s governorship election.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, in his address announced the name of the returning officer, Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi.
The collation also has returning officers for the political parties as; APC – Mr Chibuzor Obiakor, PDP – Dr Alex Obiogbolu and APGA – Senator Victor Umeh, among others.
8: 12AM
Soludo in Early Lead in 7 LGAs
Chuks Okocha in Awka
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the Anambra Election, Prof Charles Soludo, has taken an early lead in seven of the 21 local governments, according to the results so far released by the Independent National Electoral Commission
In the results so far released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Soludo is leading in the following local governments: Orumba South, Njijoka, Awka South, Onitsha South, Anambra East, Anaocha, and Anambra South.
As of 5am when INEC updated the results, Soludo was leading in five LGAs. By the time two new LGAs were announced, the APGA candidate’s lead rose to seven.
Below are the results of the seven LGAs that have been announced so far.
NJIKOKA LGA
APC – 3216
APGA – 8803
PDP – 3409
ORUMBA SOUTH LGA
APC: 2,060
APGA: 4394
PDP: 1672
AWKA SOUTH LGA
APC – 2595
APGA – 12891
PDP – 5489
ONITSHA SOUTH LGA
APC – 2050
APGA – 4281
PDP – 2253
ANAMBRA EAST LGA
APC 2034
APGA: 9746
PDP: 1380
ANAOCHA LGA
APC – 2085
APGA – 6911
PDP – 5,108
ONITSHA SOUTH
APC – 2,050
APGA – 4,281
PDP – 2,253SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 20218:24PM
Soludo Votes after Waiting for over Five Hours
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the governorship election in Anambra state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has cast his vote after waiting for more than five hours.
He voted at 5:10.p.m at Isuofia ward 13 unit 002, Aguata LGA
He came to the venue of his polling unit located at Afiyi Square at about 11:30 a.m. and was not able to vote because the Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) could not capture him.
The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at about 10:a m, there was delay during accreditation of voters as the BVAS started malfunctioning.
At about 2.p.m, only 18 persons of over 700 voters had been accredited and were able to vote.
A new BVAS was brought to the polling unit at 4.05 p.m, which was when proper accreditation and voting started.
After voting, Soludo commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for making efforts to ensure a peaceful and smooth electoral process.
“I told you I’m an optimist which is why I waited for over five hours forty minutes, because, I believe INEC will come through.
“You can also see that in spite of the delay, our people waited patiently and are so determined to cast their votes no matter the time.
“That is to show you that APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA. I believe the will of God will prevail no matter the delay. APGA will win.
“I look forward to the credibility and legitimacy of the process. I also believe we have the popular mandate of the people and I believe the system will deliver at the end of the day,” he said.
Soludo commended the people and his supporters for maintaining calm and peace inspite of the logistics challenges.
Meanwhile, counting of votes has commenced at PU 002
Ward 01, Ekwulu Village Hall Umuona and PUs 004, 005, 006 and 007 in Primary school Umuona, Aguata LGA.
Also at PU 014 and 013
Ward 001 in Community High school, Nanka in Orumba North
Voting is still on as at 5pm.
NAN however, reports that voting was extended to Sunday due to the failure of the BVAS that prevented many of the people from casting their votes. (NAN)7:03PM
Anambra Election: Counting of Votes Under way
Counting of votes has started in some polling units in Awka township after Saturday governorship election in Anambra.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though voting began late in some polling units in Awka, the exercise was concluded about 3.30pm.
Mr Ugochukwu Nwosu, a voter at the Agu ward 2 polling unit 009, said that the election was peaceful in the area.
“I am the last person who voted at the polling unit 009, I think that the whole thing was generally peaceful,” he said
At Amawbia Ward II PU 008, counting of votes has also started, the situation was also the same at Oko wards one and two in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) has announced that the exercise will continue in some polling units where voters recorded hiccups in the accreditation process.
Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the state INEC Resident Electoral Commission who briefed journalists in Awka said the commission received complaints of the malfunctioning of the machine in some locations.
He said that the commission had therefore resolved to extend the election period in such areas to give opportunity for voters to vote.(NAN).3:50PMINEC Extends Voting Time over BVAS GlitchesChuks Okocha in AwkaIn view of the malfunctioning of BVAS voting system, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the period for opening and closing of Poll from 8.30am to 4.00pm.The Resident Electoral Commissioner. Nkwachukwu Orji said that this revised closing time applies to areas where Polling Units opened after the commencement period of 8.30am. In line with existing regulations and guidelines of the Commission, adding that any intending voter who is on the queue by 4.00 pm shall be allowed to vote.He said all Polling Unit staff must comply with this directive.According to him, “The extension of time arose out of several field reports that voters have had problems with accreditation. The Commission is currently investigating the reason the accreditation devices, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), have worked perfectly in some Polling Units, but not in others. In some of the cases, it would seem that this resulted from software glitches. Our technicians have already built an update to the device software to prevent further challenges. The update is currently being installed in the concerned BVAS and we request voters, candidates and agents to be patient and allow our technical staff to solve the problem.“The Commission wishes to reiterate that in cases of sustained malfunction of the BVAS, the Presiding Officer must inform the voters and polling agents that accreditation and voting for the affected Polling Unit shall continue tomorrow or at another time determined by the Commission. With this extension of time and the recommencement of accreditation where the BVAS consistently malfunctions, the Commission assures that no voter will be disenfranchised.“Our deployment has also been adversely affected by transportation challenges in some locations. It must be noted that on account of security concerns, some of the transporters that were mobilized and collected 50% of their sign on fee backed out at the last moment, leaving some of our ad-hoc staff stranded. Also, some of the trained ad-hoc staff backed out at the last moment.“The Commission is on top of these challenges and extant regulations and guidelines will be applied on a case by case bases. Consequently, we are harvesting areas where voting will realistically no longer take place today, including places where substantial disruption has occurred, to enable a possible recommencement of voting at another time, in line with extant laws and the regulations and guidelines of the Commission.“We appeal to all voters, candidates, stakeholders communities and political parties to remain calm and law abiding. We assure you that the Commission is determined to make all votes count.”, he stated.3:43PMAnambra Guber: INEC Extends Voting by One Hour
- Voting continues Sunday
David-Chyddy Eleke in AwkaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended voting in the Anambra governorship election.The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, announced the extension of voting by one hour, from the previous 2:30pm to 3:30pm.He also added that voting will continue on Sunday, insisting that an hourly briefing of the media will help to update all as the election progresses.2:21PM
Anambra Guber: BVAS Fails to Capture NgigeBy David-Chyddy ElekeThe Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machine, popularly refered to as BVAS has failed to capture the minister of labour and employment, Dr Chris Ngige, after about one hour trial.As at the time of filing this report, the minister, who is obviously frustrated, was still waiting, after over 15 trials in one hour.THISDAY overheard him speaking to a federal Commisioner in INEC, who he said assured him that the commission was sending its technicians to his voting centre in Alor ward one, idemili South LGA.Ngige while speaking to journalists appealed for extension of the time for voting to accommodate those who were experiencing delays in the election.He put the level of failure of the BVAS in the polling units at over 30 percent.2:17PMAnambra Guber: ZLP Candidate, Okonkwo, Votes, Decries BVAS Hitches in Some Areas
- Commends Security Operatives
By David-Chyddy Eleke in AwkaGovernorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dr Obiora Okonkwo, has voted in his polling unit, Ogidi Town Hall, Polling Unit 009, Ogidi Ward 2.Okonkwo who spoke to journalists after voting commended the heavy deployment of security for the election.He said the arrangement for the election was good, and hopes the security situation remains till after the electionHe decried technology failure in some places, as ocassioned by Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), adding that such may affect people’s confidence in the election.He also condemned the late commencement of voting in most voting centres.
12:58PM
Anambra Guber: Voters Stranded as BVAS Machines Break down in AwkaDavid-Chyddy Eleke in AwkaAt Ward 5, Umuogbu village in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the electoral process has experienced some hitches as some accredited voters found it difficult to vote because the BIVAS machines are malfunctioning.Some of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (machines) deployed for the Anambra State election were said to have been declared faulty in spite of its edge over other technological innovations used in electoral processes.A source in the Ward 5 in Umuogbu village said the electoral process has experienced some hitches as some accredited voters found it difficult to vote because the BIVAS machines are malfunctioning.The presiding officers of the different polling units said two machines keep displaying “app not responding”.The INEC ad hoc staff at the polling units said the device seems sensitive to light and have failed to capture those who have come out to vote.There are however areas in the state covered by THISDAY which have registered seamless voting process, with the BVAS.
12:47PM
Ozigbo Expresses Worry over Poor Internet, Asks INEC to Extend Voting TimeBy David-Chyddy Eleke in AwkaThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo has expressed worry over the poor Internet connectivity experienced by voters in the use of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine.Mr. Ozigbo decried that it took him over 20 minutes to casts his vote and wondered what other voters would experience in various parts of the state.Ozigbo had cast his vote at Social Centre, Unit 010, Amesi, Aguata local government area, where he spoke to journalists.He seized the opportunity to call for an extension of voting period, especially as voting is said to end at 2:30pm. He called on eligible voters to come out and exercise their franchise, assuring them of their security.He further decried late arrival of materials at Awka South, Orumba North and other parts, and urged INEC officials to ensure materials get to those areas to avoid disenfranchising voters.
12:25PM
High Voter Turnout at Amesi Community in Aguata
Segun JamesThere was high turnout of voters at Amesi Community in Aguata LGA where the PDP candidate, Val Ozigbo, comes from.
At the Central School, Amesi, Ward 2, which has 5 polling units, only one voter machine was working, a situation which left many voters frustrated.At the Social Centre, Amesi, Ozigbo voted at about 11.00 am.
Expressing her frustration, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Eucheria Azodo, said that some names were missing on the voters’ list while the card reader machines were malfunctioning.She also said that as at 11.45 am, materials had not gotten to stations.She said that she had tried to get INEC officials to rectify the situation, but they are not responding.Meanwhile, at Oko in Orumba LGA and Ekwulobia in Aguata South LGA, there was low voter turnout as the streets were practically deserted.
12:11PM
Voting Under way in Peter Obi’s Polling UnitSegun JamesVoting has started in Agulu, Anaocha LGA, where former Governor and PDP Vice Presidential candidate in the 2019 election, Peter Obi, comes from.At his Agulu Ward 2, polling unit 019, there were few voters around.
12:08PM
Uneasy Calm at Nri Boys High School Polling Unit in Anaocha as Voters Await INEC OfficialsBy Segun JamesThere is uneasy calm in Nri Boys High School, Nri, Anaocha LGA as no INEC officials or materials have arrived as the people wait patiently.As at 09.30 am, many voters, including the campaign DG of the PDP candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, were still waiting for the INEC officialsThere are about 10 policemen on duty here.The community is however calm.The school has three units.
12:04PM
Voting Stopped in Nnewi as Voters Protest against Non-availability of Original Result Sheets
David-Chyddy Eleke in AwkaVoters in Polling Unit 002, Enem Hall, Otolo Ward 2, Nnewi North Local Government Area have stopped voting, saying original result sheets were not brought by INEC officials.Mr China Christian, a PDP supporter, who spoke to THISDAY said: “We have refused the commencement of accreditation/voting at PU 002, Enem Hall, Otolo Ward 2, Nnewi North LGA because the INEC officials did not come with original result sheet.“Until we sight the election result sheet, voting will not commence. Those preparing to write election results in their hotel rooms will meet their waterloo today,” he said.
11:58AM
Anambra Guber: High Voter Turnout in Ozigbo’s LGSegun JamesHigh turnout of voters at Amesi community in Aguata Local Government Area where the PDP candidate, Val Ozigbo, comes from.At the Central School, Amesi, Ward 2, which has five polling units, only one voter machine was working, a situation which left many voters frustrated.Meanwhile, at Oko in Orumba Local Government Area and Ekwulobia in Aguata South LGA, the voter turnout was low as the streets were practically deserted.
11:12AM
Massive Voter turnout in Anambra Central zone
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Despite fears of insecurity, which many have said may cause voter apathy in today’s election in Anambra, THISDAY reports that there is massive voter turnout in all the polling units visited within the central senatorial zone.
In Amawbia, Enugwu-Ukwu, Ogidi and other areas visited, the turnout was high, with a long queue of voters, waiting to be accredited for voting.
The state Deputy Governor, Nkem Okeke, who spoke on the massive turnout, attributed it to the decision of the federal government to deploy massive security in the state.
“The people are very relaxed as you can see. There is no apprehension at all. People have no reason not to come out, because they are confident of the security,” he said.
11:04AM
Anambra Guber: Obiano Votes in Aguleri, Urges Voters to Come out
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, was among the first voters in the on-going gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
Obiano was accompanied by his wife, Ebelechukwu, to Otuocha Ward 4 polling station where they both went through a rapid registration before casting their votes in the polling booth.
Addressing the press shortly after casting his vote, Governor Obiano appealed to Ndi Anambra to come out quickly and perform their civic duties, explaining that voting is expected to last for only a few hours.
He commended the voting process, saying it was fast and easy and expressed optimism that the entire exercise would would be free and fair across the state.
10:47AM
Voting Begins in Aguata
There was large turnout of voters at the Amaesi Ward of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra at the Saturday Governorship election in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that voters came out as early as 7.30am until arrival of electoral officers by 8.35 a.m at the ward, which is the ancestral home of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), candidate, Mr Valentine Ozigbo.
Voting however, began at about 9:40 a.m at Polling Units 5, 11, 12, 13, 15 located at Social centre in Amaesi ward, Aguata LGA.
Mrs Agnes Okoli, a septuagenarian, told NAN that she got to the polling point as early as 7:30 a.m and had to wait till officials arrived.
Okoli said the she was impressed with the peaceful manner everyone conducted themselves and expressed hope that it ended that way.
She said she was anxious to vote because it was her civic duty and that it was an opportunity for Amaesi to give Anambra their son as governor because one of the major candidate was from the Community
Nze Matthew Echeozor, said he was at the venue when the officials arrived.
Echeozor said he was satisfied with the guidelines read out by the officials and urged the voters to adhere to them.
The Polling Official, who preferred anonymity, confirmed to voters that both the sensitive and non sensitive materials including original result sheets were present.
The official said special attention would be given to the aged, persons with disability and pregnant women.
Combined team of Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel was seen ensuring there was order.(NAN)
10:31AM
Anambra Dep Gov Votes, Hails BVAS
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, has voted at his polling unit, Umueze Awozu, Enugwu-Ukwu Ward 3, polling unit 005 at exactly 10:04am.
Okeke, who arrived the polling unit and waited for a while because of the high turnout of voters, was later captured within two minutes and has cast his vote.
After voting, he displayed his ballot paper to reveal that he voted for his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I had to reveal my ballot paper because there have been rumours that I had defected back to APGA, but that is not true. You just saw that I voted for my party, APC,” he said.
He also hailed the Biometric Voters Accreditation System (BVAS), saying the system presents a seamless voting process.
According to him, “This is the easiest that I have had in voting ever. The process is very seamless and as you can see, I have just voted. In other election, I have always had problem of finger print, but this is different and seamless.”
10:29AM
Late Arrival of Materials, Poor Turnout of Voters in Many Polling UnitsChuks Okocha in AbujaThe Anambra Governorship election has commenced in earnest in many places with late arrival of INEC officialsIn most places, security officials outnumbered the voters.At Nodu Okpuno that has over six polling units, INEC officials were yet to come as at 8.30 am. The polling center houses polling units 023, 024, 025 and 028The NUJ centre houses 029 unit, yet no polling officials.At Umuodu Okpunu housing polling centres 017, 016, 004 and 003, polling were yet to arrive at 9.13 am. Voters were seen waiting patiently.However, there was confusion as some polling officials could not find the voting centres. In other areas, the voting started late. There is however heavy security presence .At the King palace(Eze uzu), voters were seen getting accredited and voting simultaneously.At the Obinagu Village square housing six polling centres, voting and accreditation have commenced with a fairly large crowd. As at 9.44am, many voters were seen queueing to vote.At about 8.15 an at the Ezeuzu Junction ward 020, which has thirty eight accredited voters, voters were seen hanging around as the Presiding Officers were seen getting ready for voting at 8.30 amSpeaking, the Presiding Officer, Victor Madueke, expressed joy at the turnout, saying they are ready for a hitch free election.One of the voters, Engineer Obi Okafor, said they had come to perform their civic rights following assurances by government that they will be safe.Also on that street, there were some youths playing football and one of them, twenty one years old Chidiebube Okoye, said he was saddened he cannot cast his vote because his PVC was not out after he registered since June.At Maternity Nibo, which had three polling units, voting has commenced and the voter turned out in large numbers to cast their votes.
10:18AM
Massive Police Presence in Polling Units
By David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
There is massive police deployment in polling units around Anambra State, as residents of the state go to polls.
THISDAY reporter covering the election has witnessed over 15 police officers in each of most of the units visited.
Several roadblocks manned by soldiers were also seen within a kilometer range.
It was however noticed that the security operatives were very cautious in the manner they were treating voters, just as it was noticed that they did not take fire arms into the polling units.
10:13AM
Accreditation of Voters Under way in Amawbia
Segun James
Accreditation has commenced in most polling units at Amawbia, Awka South LGA, where the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye comes from.
Although the turnout of voters is currently low, there is heavy presence of security operatives.
The Deputy Commandant General of the Civil Defence Corps, Mohammed Aruna, is also on ground to monitor voting in Amawbia.
10:10 AM
Voters Awaiting INEC Officials in Nri
Segun James
There is tension in Nri Boys High School, Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area as no INEC officials nor materials has arrived as the people wait.
As at 09.30 am, many voters, including the campaign DG of the PDP candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, are still waiting for the INEC officials.
There are about 10 policemen on duty here.
The community is however calm and quiet.
The school has three units.
9.50AM
Photo: Gov Obiano, Wife Arrive Polling Unit
9:44AM
INEC Officials Arrive Polling Units
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
At 9am, INEC officials have arrived in some polling units visited by THISDAY.
At polling unit 009, Ebe Ezimezi, Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area, INEC officials were seen setting up their materials, while voters have started arriving.
The INEC officials were led by polling officer, Mr Abdulahi.9.08AMPolice Deny Trending Video of Cops Protesting Non-payment of Allowance for Election DutyBy David-Chyddy Eleke in AwkaPolice in Anambra has denied a trending video of policemen allegedly protesting the payment of allowance for today’s election duty.Though the video showed men chanting songs, wordings accompanying the video stated that the men were protesting non-payment of allowances for the election.But police in Anambra have denied it, saying that the men were rather in high spirit, chanting victory songs as they awaited their last minute posting to places of assignments for the election.Deputy Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, DCP Aderemi Adeoye, said: “The alleged video of police officers protesting for non – payment is not true as been portrayed in the clip.“A careful study of the video shows a group personnel in high spirit awaiting deployment for the election, chanting victory songs.“The Police Command remains focused and committed in protecting the sanity of the electoral process in Anambra state.”Meanwhile, leader of police operations in Anambra, DIG Zaki Ahmed has told journalists in a press conference that it is the first time police men were paid their full allowances for election duty before commencement of operations.THISDAY gathered that police officers for the Anambra election submitted their bank details and their IPPIS for their payment, and it was being handled by the Federal Government and not the police.8:28AMAnambra Elections INEC officials Arrive AguleriBy Nseobong Okon-EkongOfficials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have arrived Eri Primary School in Aguleri, the hometown of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State.They arrived at 7.40amObiano is expected to perform his last civic duty of voting as a governor today in the Anambra governorship contest to choose his successor.The Anambra governor will join other voters at Eri Primary School I, Polling Unit 004 in Otuocha Registration Area II in Anambra East local government area. He is listed as Voter Number Number 751As at 7.55am, the INEC officials had fixed the Polling Booth and were pasting the Voters Register on the wall of the school.
