Imo’s local government elections began on a shaky note on Saturday, September 21, due to late election materials distribution, but later saw impressive voter turnout in some areas, defying apathy predictions.
Voters arrived as early as 7:30 am in some polling units in Owerri municipal and in Egbu in Owerri North LGA.
A long queue was seen outside the Owerri Municipal Local Government Headquarters in the early hours of the morning.
Prospective voter, Mr. Ekezie Nwachukwu expressed disappointment at the delayed start.
“The process ought to commence early to avoid manipulation and violence.”he said.
Some voters who spoke to this newspaper cited the Supreme Court judgment restoring local governments’ financial autonomy as the motivation why they came out to vote.
“We’re hopeful that elected Chairmen and councillors will develop rural communities, being accountable for funds collected from allocation to local governments.”said Ernest Ibe, a prospective voter at Akwakuma in Owerri North LGA.
However, a video surfaced online showing stranded voters in Ahiazu Mbaise and Ideato South local governments. Voters were seen loitering around, with a voice in the video lamenting non availability of voting materials.
Security personnel maintained a visible state-wide presence, but normal business activities continued in Owerri, with traders opening shops and commuter buses operating.
Imo State APC Chairman, Hon. MacDonald Ebere, in a report seen by this newspaper, expressed optimism about his party’s chances at the polls, praising ISIEC’s professionalism.
“The APC’s grassroots presence and track record of good governance have placed it in a dominant position,” Ebere was reported to have said.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in a statement, alleged ISIEC failed to deliver electoral materials to polling units, describing the elections as “an organized fraud” and “rape of democracy.”
PDP State Publicity Secretary Lancelot Obiaku accused ISIEC of flouting electoral laws and delivering materials to APC leaders instead of polling units.
ISIEC Chairman, Charles Ejiogu had assured newsmen of the commission’s commitment to a free, fair, and credible election.