Anambra Governorship Election Kicks Off Amid Early Starts, Minor Hiccups, and Low Voter Turnout

The Anambra State governorship election has officially commenced across various polling units as residents head to the polls to choose their next governor.

Reports obtained by Politics Nigeria from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and independent election observers indicate that while many polling units opened on schedule, a few encountered minor logistical challenges and low voter turnout in the early hours.

INEC confirmed via its official X handle that voting had begun in parts of Aguata Local Government Area, tweeting:

> “Voting ongoing @ PU 014, RA Achina 02, Aguata LGA, Anambra South Senatorial District,”
using the hashtag #AnambraDecides2025.

At Demonstration Primary School, Agu Oka Ward 01, Awka South LGA, polling units 001 and 016 were fully prepared before the official commencement time.

> “Polling Units 001 and 016 are fully set up and ready, with officials and materials in place, awaiting the commencement of voting,” reported the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) at 8:03 a.m.

However, in Ndiukwueni Ward 013, Polling Unit 008, Orumba North LGA, CJID observed that while election officials were present, security agents were yet to arrive as of 8:06 a.m.

> “The polling unit has been set up. Only the Presiding Officer (PO) and Assistant Presiding Officer I (APO I) are present at the moment. No security personnel are on the ground yet,” the report noted.

In Nnewi North LGA, at Akwuegbo Central School, polling units including 037, 09, 07, 10, 08, and 039 were ready by 9:06 a.m., though observers recorded an absence of voters at the time.

CJID also reported discontent among individuals who had applied to serve as ad-hoc staff but were not selected.

> “Some people who applied as ad-hoc staff but were unfortunately not picked are seen clustered around the compound, expressing frustration after spending time and money on transportation and training only to find out they were not hired,” the group stated.

Meanwhile, in Nnewi South LGA, voting at Umunuko Central School 1 (New Site), Ukpor Ward 1, began later than scheduled due to the temporary absence of an election agent.

> “Voting eventually began at exactly 8:39 a.m., which is slightly behind the official commencement time,” CJID reported.