Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo cast his vote in the ongoing Anambra South Senatorial District by-election on Saturday at his polling unit, Ofiyi Square, 002, in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area.
The election is being held to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in 2024.
Speaking with journalists after voting, Governor Soludo commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its efficient preparations. “I have just exercised my franchise. I am quite impressed with the conduct of the election. There is also an impressive turnout. Everybody is going about voting peacefully,” Soludo said.
The governor noted the early arrival of electoral materials and overall smooth process, stating, “I want to thank INEC for being on top of their game as usual. Basically, everything is going well. No rancour, no fighting.”
However, Soludo raised concerns about an incident involving the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, who allegedly attacked the Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, with thugs in Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area. Describing the report as “unfortunate,” Soludo questioned, “Why would someone leave his polling unit to other people’s polling unit? He should let the will of the people be allowed to prevail.”
On-the-ground reports confirmed a strong voter turnout in the area, with security personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and FRSC visibly deployed at strategic locations to enforce movement restrictions and maintain order. Security officials were stationed at each polling unit, contributing to the generally peaceful atmosphere observed across various voting centers.
Photo Credit: The PUNCH