TRADERS DEFY ELECTION DAY RESTRICTIONS, OPEN SHOPS IN ANAMBRA DESPITE GOVERNORSHIP POLL
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Some traders at Nkwo Igboukwu Market in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State defied election day restrictions on Saturday by opening their shops despite the ongoing 2025 governorship election.
A correspondent, who reported live from the market, said commercial activities were in full swing before market leaders intervened.
“When we got here, people were selling and doing business. But a few minutes ago, market masters arrived and ordered everyone to close their shops and go home to vote. They warned that anyone found trading would be fined ₦10,00.”
Despite the warning, some traders expressed disinterest in the election, citing a lack of motivation to vote. Motorcycle operators were also seen moving freely around the market, as business and movement continued in parts of the town.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Aguata Local Government Area has 150,575 collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Across the state, 2,769,137 out of 2,802,790 registered voters representing 98.8 per cent collected their PVCs and are expected to vote in 5,718 polling units spread across 21 local government areas.
Reports confirmed that INEC officials had arrived at several local governments, including Amawbia and Ekwulobia, with no major incidents recorded as of press time.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has said political parties should be held accountable for possible voter apathy in the election.
“If there’s one aspect most political parties have failed, it’s voter mobilisation,” Itodo said during Anambra Decides 2025, a live election coverage.
“If voters are not showing up, parties should take full responsibility. It’s either they’re not communicating well, not reaching the voters, or the voters don’t trust them,” he added.
He noted that many citizens feel disconnected from the electoral process because they see little hope in the candidates presented, urging political parties to prioritise clear developmental plans that inspire participation.
By 7:00 a.m., INEC officials had begun deploying to polling stations in Awka South Local Government Area, with ad hoc staff sighted at the Community Primary School, Amawbia.
Voting commenced in several areas by 8:30 a.m., including Fegge Community Primary School in Onitsha, where residents turned out peacefully.
Civil society representative, Jake Epelle, described the atmosphere as calm and orderly, noting that security concerns were minimal across the state.
Meanwhile, election monitors have urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to ensure a credible and transparent process, warning that “no excuses for failure will be accepted.”
The governorship election spans Anambra’s three senatorial districts, with sixteen candidates contesting.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, Abayomi Shogunle, assured residents of a peaceful exercise across all flashpoints, including Ihiala, noting that potential threats in high-risk areas had been neutralised.
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