By Chuks Eke
The All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA appeared to be. cruising to victory amidst election boycott by other political parties in the ongoing Local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in Anambra state.
The voting exercise which though commenced very late most polling units across the state due to late arrival of Anambra state Independent Electoral Commissioner,, ANSIEC adhoc staff and their voting materials was carried out by mainly APGA members, signifying an obvious boycott by members of other political parties some of which are currently in various courts challenge the validity of the council polls.
Embattled National Chairmen of APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa exercised his civic duty by casting his votes at polling unit 007, Otumoye, Fegge Ward 4, in Onitsha South Local Government Area where he grew up.
Ezeokenwa, who was alongside his mother, Lady Emilia Ezeokenwa, expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout and commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process.
He emphasized that the smooth exercise reflects the maturity of the democratic system and the commitment of Ndi Anambra to ensuring credible local governance.
According to him, the turnout is encouraging, and I am pleased with the calm and orderly nature of the process.
“This election is pivotal in strengthening our grassroots leadership and advancing the development of our communities,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairmanship candidate of APGA for Idemili South Local Government Area, Mrs Amaka Obi, while addressing newsmen, lauded the peaceful nature of the election.
Obi further expressed optimism that she would win the election creditably based on her performances as the incumbent Chairman of the Local Government Transition Commitee.
Also casting his own vote at Ilo-Amalacha polling unit 005 at Ogbu Primary School, Abatete, the Chairmanship candidate of APGA in Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Nkwoka declared:I “I came in at about 11: 00 a m and every body was on the line and we voted peacefully.
“I received call that there were shortage of materials in one or two places, the Supervising Polling Officer came in and took care of it.I
“I didn’t go out that much, I think the reports I got from our agents in the field, I think it is peaceful,” he said.
“Mr. Chukwuemeka Akunna, the APGA Councillorship candidate for Abatete Ward also lauded the peaceful process after casting his vote at his polling unit 012, in Iluo-Udu, at Ogbu primary school.
He thanked the electorate, who came out en mass to cast their votes peacefully.
