The local government elections in Abia State’s Umuahia and Aba areas were held on Saturday, marked by delays in the delivery of election materials and logistical challenges that affected voting times.
In several polling units, election materials arrived hours behind the 8:00 a.m. schedule, causing voting to commence between 11:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. instead.
Despite these setbacks, voter turnout was high in locations where materials arrived early, such as Aba Park Polling Unit and polling units 001, 002, and 018 at Umuwaya Road Primary School.
However, areas experiencing prolonged delays saw significantly lower turnout, with voters growing frustrated by the extended waiting times.
In some wards, particularly where candidates for chairmanship or councillorship resided, turnout was notably strong. Voters expressed mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment over the delays but satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the election.
“Although the delay initially dampened my enthusiasm, I’m happy the election proceeded peacefully,” said Chiwetara Okwesiri, a civil servant.
One anonymous trader shared a similar sentiment, saying, “At first, it seemed like the election might not hold, but I am happy it went ahead as planned, and I was able to participate.”
Conversely, at the Abia University Primary School in Abayi, Aba, turnout was low, with All Progressives Grand Alliance agent David Chimezie reporting that only three people had voted by the time results were being endorsed.
