CSOs Raise Concerns Over Delayed Openings, Malpractices in Anambra Election

By Julian Osamoto

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concerns over delayed poll openings, voter apathy, and reports of vote buying during the Anambra State governorship election.

In an interim statement released Saturday afternoon and signed by Convener of the Situation Room, Yunusa Ya’u, the Situation Room says voting began peacefully across most parts of the state but started late in several areas.

According to its observers, many polling units opened around 9:15 a.m, while some in Ogbaru and Nnewi North Local Government Areas didn’t begin until after 10:00 a.m.

“We are particularly concerned about polling units located within the RAC centre at Umuike Public Square, Ward 9, Awka South, which did not start voting until after 9:00 a.m., even though they required no transportation,” the Situation Room notes.

Low Turnout and Technical Glitches

It says observers also reported low voter turnout, as many residents were seen attending to their businesses instead of heading to polling stations.

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned efficiently in most places, with accreditation taking about a minute per voter. However, delays occurred in PU 015 All Hallow Seminary School, Onitsha North, due to a faulty device.

Poor Voter Awareness on Relocated Polling Units

The group faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not adequately informing voters about relocated or clustered polling units.

According to the statement, many voters struggles to locate their new voting points, especially in areas where polling units were moved for security reasons.

“Except in Ihiala LGA, where INEC communicated the relocation of 80 polling units clearly, the clustering exercise caused confusion for many voters,” the statement added.

Security Presence and Challenges

Security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, were visible across many areas, though coverage remained uneven in some LGAs like Nnewi South, Anaocha, and Onitsha North.

“Some security personnel complained about not receiving their allowances”.

“No major violent incidents were recorded, except in Ward 2, Anaocha LGA, where thugs in INEC vests allegedly disrupted voting and intimidated voters. The Situation Room confirmed the matter had been reported to the police”.

Fake News and Vote Buying

The group also flagged misinformation on social media, including recycled videos of past election violence and false reports claiming that a candidate from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) withdrew from the race. Both claims were debunked.

Observers, however, raised alarm over widespread vote buying, with party agents allegedly offering between N5,000 and N30,000 and distributing wrappers to voters.

The report mentions no significant intervention from security operatives. “A party agent was even seen openly canvassing for votes at a polling unit in Orumba South LGA, a clear violation of the Electoral Act.”

Call for Transparent Result Management

As voting ended at 2:30 p.m., the Situation Room urged INEC to ensure a transparent collation process and accurate result declaration.

“We call on INEC to effectively manage the collation process and ensure that every vote counts. Situation Room will continue to monitor developments until the final results are announced.”

The statement was co-signed by Mimidoo Achakpa and Franklin Oloniju, Co-Conveners of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.