Anambra Boils With Activity As Residents Flood Markets, Fuel Stations, And Parks Ahead Of Saturday’s Governorship Poll

 

Anambra State witnessed a frenzy of activity on Friday as residents thronged markets, motor parks, fuel stations, and banks ahead of Saturday’s crucial governorship election. With expectations of the traditional restriction of movement during election day, citizens rushed to stock up on essentials and travel to their respective polling destinations before nightfall.

Major commercial centers across the state, including Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, Ekwulobia, and Awka, experienced an overwhelming influx of buyers and traders. Market stalls were crowded as residents engaged in brisk trading, trying to secure food items, household goods, and fuel supplies before political and security measures take effect on election day.

Although authorities had not officially declared a movement restriction, most residents anticipated it, prompting widespread last-minute preparations. The atmosphere across these cities was marked by a blend of urgency and cautious optimism as people moved about with purpose while security forces maintained visible patrols.

At the bustling UNIZIK Junction Market along the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, traders recorded a surge in sales unseen since the festive season. Motor parks nearby were also swarmed by commuters eager to reach their hometowns in time to cast their votes. The Goodness and Mercy Motor Park at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, and the New Triangle in Nnewi became choke points for passengers and vehicles. The long queues of travelers and the blaring of horns gave the towns the feel of a pre-festival rush.

Fuel stations were not left out of the commotion. Long lines of vehicles snaked out onto major roads as drivers jostled for petrol. Many residents could be seen filling jerry cans, unwilling to risk fuel scarcity should the election period cause temporary service interruptions. Similar scenes played out at ATMs and POS terminals, where people withdrew cash for use during the weekend.

Despite the intensity of the rush, calm prevailed. The usually chaotic streets of Anambra’s commercial cities maintained an air of orderliness. Security personnel from the police, the Department of State Services, and paramilitary agencies were stationed at key points, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and preventing any unrest. Armoured patrol vehicles were also sighted along major routes, reinforcing the state’s readiness for Saturday’s vote.

Hotels across the state have been fully booked, hosting election observers, journalists, political party agents, and voters who travelled from other locations. At Resort Continental Hotel in Aroma, Awka, the manager, Mr. Martin Uzor, confirmed that all rooms had been occupied since Thursday. According to him, guests included dignitaries and party representatives, many of whom arrived with their personal security aides. The heavy security presence around hotel premises, he explained, was to ensure the safety of both guests and electoral materials stored nearby.

Several residents expressed optimism about a peaceful and credible process. A trader at the Main Market, Onitsha, Grace Igwe, described the day as “very busy but peaceful.” She noted that the surge in business was welcome and hoped that the election would be conducted smoothly. Her sentiment was echoed by a civil servant, Mercy Okonkwo, who said she took advantage of the work-free Friday to stock up on supplies. She emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and allowing citizens to vote without harassment.

At Nnewi, a resident named Chris Ndukaku shared his determination to vote, recounting how he travelled from Awka to participate in the poll where he registered. Despite forgetting his wallet containing his Permanent Voter Card, he managed to have it sent to him via waybill. Ndukaku expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s ability to deliver a transparent exercise and hoped that logistics would not frustrate the turnout.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced full preparedness for the governorship election. According to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, 24,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed across the state’s 5,718 polling units. He also revealed that 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election, underscoring the commission’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.

Sixteen political parties are contesting the election, with candidates vying to unseat the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. For many Anambra residents, this election represents an opportunity to decide the state’s direction for the next four years.

As the sun set on Friday, the sense of anticipation across Anambra was unmistakable. Markets quieted down, motor parks thinned, and the state braced for a decisive Saturday. For the people, it was more than an election—it was a moment of civic duty, collective hope, and the promise of a peaceful democratic process.