Anambra Governorship Election Marred by Extreme Voter Apathy
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) witnessed what appears to be the lowest voter turnout during Saturday's Anambra governorship election at Polling Unit 005 in Ochuche–Umuodu, Ogbaru Local Government Area. Only one person voted out of 231 registered voters, creating serious concerns about democratic participation in the state.
Election Day Reality: Three Officials for One Voter
Despite the near-total absence of voters, INEC maintained full operational presence at the polling unit. Three INEC officials, including two polling officers, plus security personnel were deployed with complete logistical support. The commission provided transportation for officials, paid allowances, and delivered all necessary electoral materials as required by protocol.
The solitary voter arrived around noon and cast his ballot for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), leaving all other political parties with zero votes at the unit. An INEC official who requested anonymity expressed dismay at the situation. "We have been here since morning, and the only voter walked in around noon to cast his vote," she disclosed. "Now we have closed in accordance with regulations, and no other voter came. We have recorded the sole vote in favour of APGA."
APGA Chairman Responds to Election Proceedings
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, expressed confidence in the overall election process. Speaking with journalists at Immaculate Parish Ward 4, he described the exercise as largely peaceful and credible despite isolated technical challenges with BVAS machines in some areas.
Ezeokenwa confirmed that INEC had deployed technical teams to resolve BVAS malfunctions and addressed reports of missing result sheets promptly. "I must commend our APGA agents across the state; they have lived up to expectations. We trained them on the basic requirements to perform their responsibilities effectively," he stated.
The APGA chairman praised INEC officials for their professionalism while emphasizing that his party's primary demand was for a free, fair, and credible poll. On the concerning voter turnout, Ezeokenwa acknowledged participation was relatively low but consistent with historical patterns in Anambra State.
"There was fear that people might not come out, but Governor Charles Soludo encouraged the electorate to vote. Historically, Anambra records around 20 percent turnout. If you go around, you'll see it's about the same today," he noted, putting the single-vote phenomenon into broader context.
