Voting has officially ended in the 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
Voting was expected to begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.
At the time of this report, sorting and counting had commenced in all 5,700 polling units in the state.
The deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the election.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Mbaukwu Central School and Ebeapku Ward in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, at about 10:34 a.m., Ibezim described the process as orderly and impressive, noting that it was too early to give an overall appraisal of the election.
“The turnout is impressive, at least within this area, and it is largely due to the intensive mobilization of voters by our governor to curb voter apathy, which has been a major challenge in past elections,” he said.
The executive chairman of Idemili North LGA, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, also lauded the early commencement of voting, describing it as a positive sign of improved electoral efficiency.
"As you can see, our people are very happy," he said at the Abatete Civic Center,
"They came out to vote because they believe in the governor. Though some people may have decided to vote for other parties, which is the essence of democracy.
"At the end of the day, the majority will carry the day."
He admitted delays in accreditation and voting, but said the vote was peaceful.
The local government chair is optimistic that Governor Chukwuma Soludo will be re-elected.
"This is the first time that the people take charge of a governorship candidate election, and the people donated for the election," he enthused, declaring that it shows "that the work of the governor speaks for itself."
A former federal lawmaker for Idemili North and South, Hon. Obinna Chidoka, also believed the vote was free, fair, and credible.
He, however, expressed concern over the turnout, noting that the number of voters present was not up to 60% of those registered by INEC.
