Late Deployment of INEC Officials Sparks Concern in Onitsha – IPC

The International Press Centre (IPC) has expressed concern over the late deployment of some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Onitsha during the ongoing Anambra election, saying the delay created tension among voters.

IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, reported that some officials had to relocate from the INEC office due to poor logistics and inadequate facilities.

“At 8:30 a.m., officials were just about to leave for polling units. This delay is worrisome,” Arogundade said.

He, however, noted that while some officials arrived as early as 7:07 a.m., others got to their assigned polling units around 8:10 a.m.. By 8:30 a.m., most had completed preparations, pasted voter registers, and commenced accreditation.

Arogundade warned that such delays could cause uncertainty among voters and urged INEC to ensure timely deployment in future elections.

Buses conveying voting materials were seen leaving the INEC office in Onitsha as officials began moving to their various polling units.

Meanwhile, the Situation Room observer, Dimma Nwobi, alleged incidents of vote-buying in some locations, prompting the presence of EFCC operatives monitoring activities.

Minor cases of BVAS malfunctions were also reported in a few polling units, though voting remained largely peaceful.

Shops Open Amid Voting in Some Areas

In Nkwo Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, some traders opened shops despite the ongoing election. According to Channels Television, market leaders later intervened and ordered closure of shops, warning defaulters of a ?10,000 fine.

Some traders reportedly expressed disinterest in the voting process.

INEC data shows that Aguata has 150,575 collected PVCs, while 2,769,137 voters across Anambra—representing 98.8% of registered voters—are expected to cast their ballots in 5,718 polling units across 21 local government areas.

Voting commenced early in areas like Awka South, Amawbia, and Ekwulobia, with reports of a peaceful atmosphere at Fegge Community Primary School in Onitsha.

Observers, Police Call for Credibility and Calm

Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, urged political parties to address voter apathy, saying:

“If voters are not showing up, parties are failing in communication and trust.”

Civil society representative Jake Epelle described the security atmosphere as calm, while urging INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to ensure a credible process.

Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle also assured residents of adequate security, confirming that earlier threats in high-risk areas had been neutralised.

The election, which spans three senatorial districts and features 16 candidates, has so far remained largely peaceful despite logistical hiccups.