As the Anambra State governorship election got underway on Saturday, some residents in parts of Awka, the state capital, appeared indifferent to the process, going about their usual routines.
While polling units opened in several areas, DAILY GAZETTE observed that a number of youths preferred to engage in leisure activities such as playing football on street corners rather than heading to voting centres.
In some neighbourhoods, small markets and roadside stalls were open for business, with traders attending to customers as though it were an ordinary day.
However, at Okpuno and Mgbakwu, near Awka, a handful of voters were seen arriving gradually for accreditation.
At Uruotulu, a mobile town crier moved through the community with a public address system, urging residents to participate in the exercise.
“Come out and vote, wherever you are!” he announced repeatedly.
By 8:54 a.m., voting had yet to commence at Polling Units 004 and 005, Umuobi Village Hall, Awkuzu, although several voters were already in line, waiting for INEC officials to fully set up.
Security personnel were stationed at the venue, maintaining order. One officer told DAILY GAZETTE that “everything is in order” and that no security threat had been reported.
Meanwhile, business activities were slowly resuming near the polling centres. Provision shops and food vendors were open, serving voters and passersby.
A food seller, Justina Oyibo, said she decided to open her stall to meet the needs of voters who might get hungry during the exercise.
“People will definitely need something to eat while they wait,” she said.
Another vendor, Grace Igwebuike, added that many voters left home early without breakfast.
“As they vote, they can also eat. It helps them stay comfortable,” she noted.
