The Local Government Elections in Imo State, held on Saturday, experienced a rocky start due to the delayed distribution of electoral materials. Despite this setback, voter turnout at polling units was notably high, with many residents eager to participate in the process. In the state capital, Owerri, as well as nearby communities like Egbu, Irete, and others, a significant number of voters had already gathered at polling stations as early as 7:30 am, demonstrating strong enthusiasm for the election.
However, at the Owerri Municipal Local Government Headquarters, the situation was less smooth. By 8:54 am, the main entrance gate was still locked, and a crowd, consisting mainly of voters and ad hoc election workers, waited outside in anticipation of the electoral materials. Similar scenes were observed at polling units in Bishop Lesbery, Irete, Mount Carmel Primary School, Emekuku, and Oha Egbu Town Hall, where large numbers of voters were seen waiting patiently for materials to arrive so the voting process could begin.
Security presence at the polling units was visible and robust, with personnel stationed at every location visited. This strong security arrangement was contrary to earlier predictions by some analysts, who had forecasted widespread voter apathy and a low turnout ahead of the polls. Instead, the large number of voters and the effective security measures in place created an atmosphere conducive to a peaceful election.
At the headquarters of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission in Owerri, there was a heavy presence of military personnel, along with other paramilitary agencies, ensuring that the situation remained under control. Addressing the security provisions for the election, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed that the police command had deployed a substantial number of officers across the state to maintain order and protect the electorate.
Okoye also reassured the public of their safety throughout the electoral process, emphasizing that security forces were prepared to safeguard residents before, during, and after the elections. He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, had personally taken to the field to oversee and monitor the security situation, ensuring that the elections proceeded without major incident.
