Anambra LG poll: Voters lament late arrival of electoral officers, materials

As of 9:30 am, eligible voters in Anambra State had yet to cast their ballots in the ongoing Local Government chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 21 local government areas.

At various polling stations visited by our correspondent on Saturday, voters expressed frustration over the lack of presence from officials of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), fearing that this absence could hinder the voting process.

Polling units such as 006 at Ichi Community Primary School in Ekwusigo LGA, 008 at Iyiowa-Odekpe in Ogbaru LGA, Aroma Ward Three, Odoagba Ward One, the Unizik junction unit, and Polling Unit 02 at the Ayamelum LGA secretariat reported similar issues.

At the time of this report, no ANSIEC ad-hoc staff, security forces, or electoral materials had arrived at the polling locations. A handful of voters who had gathered were seen sitting in small groups, waiting for officials and materials to arrive. Only one political party agent was observed at one of the polling centers.

Despite the election activities, local traffic was somewhat active, with residents participating in their monthly sanitation routines.

Christopher Adindun, a voter at Iyiowa-Odekpe, commented, “It’s now past 9:30 am, and we still haven’t seen any ANSIEC officials or materials at polling unit 009. From what we’ve heard, many units are facing the same problem.”

Similarly, Helen Uzor at Ichi Community Primary School expressed concern: “It doesn’t seem like an election is about to take place; no ANSIEC staff, security, or materials have arrived yet. However, we’re still waiting as more people are starting to show up.”

When reached for comment, Sir Anthony Nnalue, ANSIEC Commissioner for Logistics and Publicity, urged voters to remain patient and assured them that materials were being organized and would arrive at the polling stations shortly.