Governorship election: Ezeokenwa, Orji, Egbeji commend INEC, Ndi Anambra for peaceful conduct

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By Sunny A. David, Onitsha

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Emeka Orji, and the Chief Executive Officer of Admin Oil and Gas, Chief Promise Egbeji, have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the pe. ople of Anambra State for ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

Speaking after casting his vote at his polling unit, 007, Fegge Ward 4, Immaculate Heart Parish, Onitsha South, Ezeokenwa expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as smooth and orderly.

“The process has been very smooth, except for a few polling units that reported cases of BIVAS malfunctioning,” he said. “However, I trust INEC’s technical team to address such issues promptly.

“In some polling units, result sheets were initially missing, but our party agents insisted that voting would not commence until the materials arrived and the issue was resolved.”

He praised APGA agents across the state for their vigilance and commitment, noting that they were well-trained and had conducted themselves professionally.

“We are confident in what we have done. Our only demand is for a free, fair, and credible election,” Ezeokenwa added. “At the end of the day, Nigerians will see that INEC has once again demonstrated capacity and commitment to strengthening democracy.”

On voter turnout, Ezeokenwa expressed concern over persistent voter apathy despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts to encourage participation.

“Over the years, Anambra has recorded about 20 percent voter turnout in elections, and it seems to be the same this time. However, I believe more voters will still come out before the close of polls,” he said.

The APGA National Chairman expressed confidence in his party’s performance, saying,

“Our expectation is nothing less than 99 percent victory. We have shown capacity and commitment to the people, and we believe they will reward us.”

Similarly, the Mayor of Onitsha South, Hon. Emeka Orji, who voted at Polling Unit 002, Agai Primary School, Fegge, described the exercise as “free, fair, credible, and transparent.”

He commended residents for turning out to vote and urged those yet to do so to exercise their civic responsibility.

“So far, so good. Ndi Anambra are out to thank the governor for his good governance in the state,” he said.

Chief Promise Egbeji, CEO of Admin Oil and Gas and founder of Admin Foundation, also lauded INEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.

“Since 8 o’clock, everything has been calm and peaceful no violence anywhere,” he said.

“Though turnout was initially low, I believe more people will still come out. We’ve assured voters that their votes will count.”

He expressed optimism about APGA’s chances, saying, “Everyone is singing APGA because of what Governor Charles Soludo has done. I advise voters to remain calm and avoid any form of violence.”

The President-General of Woliwo Community in Fegge, Chief Ifeanyi Onwuegbuchunam, also confirmed the peaceful nature of the exercise. He noted that voting was briefly delayed due to missing result sheets but resumed after the intervention of the Onitsha South Mayor.

As of press time, voting across polling units such as Immaculate Heart (007, 008), Agai Primary School (001, 002, 013, 014), and Urban Boys Secondary School (007, 008), as well as St. Monica’s, all in Onitsha South, was proceeding smoothly and peacefully.