By Peter.
As Anambra State gears up for its highly anticipated governorship election on Saturday, November 8, 2025, residents across major cities turned Friday into a frenzy of last-minute errands. With no official movement restrictions announced yet, locals are stocking up on essentials, traveling to hometowns, and securing cash—bracing for potential curbs that could halt travel and daily routines on voting day. The atmosphere remains peaceful, bolstered by a visible security ramp-up, signaling a smooth lead-up to this pivotal off-cycle poll.
Bustling Markets and Motor Parks: Stocking Up and Heading Home
Markets in key hubs like Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, Ekwulobia, and Awka saw a surge in activity early Friday. Traders and shoppers hustled through transactions for food, household goods, and other necessities, determined not to be caught short.
- High Turnover: Vendors reported booming sales, with one Onitsha Main Market trader, Grace Igwe, noting, “Today has been a heavy day for commercial activities. We’re happy that everywhere is calm and peaceful ahead of tomorrow’s election.”
- Travel Rush: Motor parks echoed with similar energy. At spots like UNIZIK Junction along the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, Goodness and Mercy in Upper Iweka, Onitsha, and New Triangle in Nnewi, long lines of passengers queued for buses to voting locales. One Nnewi resident, Chris Ndukaku, shared a relatable mishap: “I traveled all the way from Awka to Nnewi today so I could vote tomorrow—where I registered for my PVC. But I forgot my wallet with the card in Awka, so I had to send my daughter to waybill it via bus.”
This travel spike aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s declaration of Friday as a work-free day for state workers, easing commutes to polling units. With 2,802,790 registered voters and a 98.8% PVC collection rate, turnout could be robust if logistics hold.
Fuel Stations, ATMs, and Hotels: Practical Prep and Full Bookings
The pre-election hustle extended to fuel depots and financial points, where queues snaked around pumps and machines.
- Petrol Scramble: Motorists and buyers with jerry cans jammed stations in urban centers, fearing shortages or restrictions. A civil servant, Mercy Okonkwo, used the day off wisely: “I took the opportunity to make some purchases ahead of tomorrow. Although no restrictions are announced yet, we hope they will be.”
- Cash Withdrawals: Crowds flocked to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point-of-Sale (POS) operators for naira to cover weekend needs.
- Hotel Crunch: Accommodations in communities like Aroma, Awka, filled up fast. At Resort Continental Hotel, manager Martin Uzor explained, “As you can see, there are no more rooms. All were fully booked by Thursday due to tomorrow’s election. We’ve turned away many, including dignitaries, observers, journalists, and party supporters—some with their own security.”
This demand reflects an influx of 540 accredited journalists, election observers, and party faithful, with heightened security like Department of State Services (DSS) and police patrols at these sites.
Security Presence: Vigilance Without Tension
Armored vehicles and personnel dotted strategic spots, from highways to hotels, ensuring order. Residents appreciated the beefed-up measures, with Okonkwo adding, “We can observe heavy security across the roads today. It should also be around polling units to forestall any breakdown of law and order.”
Police Commissioner CP Abayomi Shogunle briefed stakeholders, confirming three officers per 5,718 polling units and deployments at collation centers. Vigilantes are barred to maintain neutrality, and observers are urged to report issues impartially. In Ihiala Local Government—facing minor security challenges—voting in six registration areas will shift to the secretariat under protection.
Voices of Optimism: Calls for Peace and Fair Play
Despite the rush, serenity prevailed, with locals expressing hope for a seamless vote. Igwe predicted, “Give or take, by Monday, we should know our next governor.” Ndukaku echoed, “I expect a free, fair, and credible election. INEC should ensure everything works perfectly—people are willing to come out.”
Civil society groups like Situation Room and EU-SDGN emphasized inclusivity, deploying 150 observers, 25 sign-language interpreters, and tools like braille guides for 3,456 voters with disabilities. The Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD-West Africa) launched an Election Analysis Center, noting concerns over translating high PVC uptake into voter participation.
INEC’s Green Light: Ready for a Credible Poll
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan affirmed full preparedness at a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, deploying 24,000 ad hoc staff across 5,718 polling units. Four National Commissioners and 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners will oversee, partnering with TAFAfrica for accessibility aids.
Contesting the seat are 16 candidates from as many parties, challenging incumbent Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) for re-election. Top contenders include Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (PDP), Andrew Ifeanyi Ubah (APC), and Chukwuka Utazi (Labour Party), each leveraging strong regional networks.
Campaigns wrapped at midnight Thursday, setting the stage for a vote that could redefine Anambra’s leadership. With robust preparations and a peaceful vibe, all eyes are on Saturday—may it deliver the free, fair, and credible process Ndi Anambra deserve. Stay informed, vote wisely, and keep the peace! #AnambraDecides2025
