Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, cast his vote on Saturday afternoon as the state’s governorship election got underway.
The incumbent, running for a second term under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), arrived at Polling Unit 002 on Umuezeadigo Street in his hometown of Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, around 1:13 p.m.
Ahead of the election, Soludo had encouraged residents to turn out massively, stressing that the poll offered citizens a crucial chance to determine the state’s direction.
He described his re-election effort as both a divine assignment and a people-driven mandate, reflecting, in his words, “the collective aspiration of Ndi Anambra for continuity and progress.”
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a total of 16 candidates representing various political parties are contesting the governorship seat.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha in Anambra on Saturday defied the restriction of movement order by the Police Command in the state.
The restriction of movement was expected to take effect from midnight to 6.00 p.m. on Saturday.
It was also expected to affect all roads within the state, including interstate highways.
However, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that commercial vehicles were operating freely in some parts of Awka, the state capital, while commuters boarded the vehicles.
The situation was the same from Ogidi Local Government Area to Nkpor junction.
NAN also observed the presence of security personnel on the popular Nkpor Road as well as other spots and popular junctions across the state capital.
