Many residents of Onitsha, the commercial city in Anambra State, have refused to contest the 2024 local elections in the state.
The election, organized by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), is held today, Saturday, September 28.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who followed the elections on Saturday, observed that residents were seen within their neighborhood but did not proceed to the polling stations.
Local elections in Anambra were last held 11 years ago.
NAN reports that commercial drivers were seen going about their daily activities without regard to the movement restriction order.
In separate interviews with NAN, some residents questioned the credibility of the elections due to their experiences with past elections in Nigeria.
Chinyere Olisa said she was frustrated when she was told that her name was not among the accredited voters during the 2023 presidential election.
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He said he left his business and traveled home to vote during the 2023 presidential election.
“I was frustrated when they checked and told me they couldn't find my name.
“I wasted my time and money during that election, do you want me to do the same thing again this time? No way,” he said.
Another resident, Gloria Effiong, a food vendor, said there was little campaigning before the elections.
“Many did not even know that the elections would be held today; There was no house-to-house campaign, as they usually did.
“No one came to me for the campaign and I am sure the same applies to many others.
“As you can see, I'm here selling food and making money for myself and my family. “If they win the elections today, I will never be remembered again,” she said.
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A tricyclist, Samuel Chidi, said he left his house at 6:30 am to do business and would not participate in the vote.
Chidi said people's votes no longer count in Nigeria because election officials normally have a predetermined choice about who will win.
(YAYA)