LG polls: Residents shun local government election in Anambra

….As commercial activities in full swing

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The residents of Onitsha, Anambra state on Saturday shunned participation in the 2024 Local government area Elections organized by the Anambra State Independence Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).

The Nations News Nigeriareports that business activities were in full swing in the commercial city of Anambra State.

There were vehicular gridlocks in some areas in Onitsha and environments as residents were seen within their neighborhood and in perishable food markets, but failed to proceed to the voting arenas.

Commercial drivers were seen going about their daily business, thereby disregarding the state order on restriction of movement.

Some residents lamented the credibility of the electoral umpires, having failed to meet their demands in previous elections.

A resident, one Mrs. Chinyere Olisa, who spoke with newsmen explained that she was left frustrated when she was told that her name was not among the accredited voter’s during the 2023 presidential election.

According to her, “I had to leave my business and traveled down home to vote during the last presidential election. I was left frustrated when they checked and told me that they couldn’t find my name. I wasted my time and money during that election, you want me to do the same again this time, no way”, she said.

Another resident, a food vendor, Mrs Gloria Effiong, narrated that there was not much campaigning previously before the election.

“Many were not even aware that elections were taking place today, there was no house to house campaign, as they used to do in previous outings.

“Nobody came to me for a campaign, and I am sure the same applies to some others.

“As you can see, I am here selling food and making money for myself and my family, if they win the election today, I won’t be remembered again”, she explained.

A tricyclist, who plied the popular Old Road to Nkpor junction, Samuel Chidi, said that he has carried out his business since as early as 6:30 a. m. and has no hope of going to cast his vote.

Chidi said that the people’s vote doesn’t count, as the electoral umpires have penciled down those they will announce the winners at the end of the exercise.