Voter apathy marked the 2024 Local Government Elections in Anambra State, as residents of Onitsha, the state’s commercial hub, largely abstained from voting.
Observers noted that while people were seen within their neighborhoods, they showed little interest in heading to polling stations on election day.
Advertorial
This local government election, the first in Anambra in 11 years, failed to attract significant public engagement, with commercial drivers openly flouting the state-imposed restriction on movement.
They continued their regular operations, transporting passengers and goods across the city despite the official directive.
Several residents cited past issues with the credibility of the electoral process as their reason for staying away.
Advertorial
Mrs. Chinyere Olisa, who spoke to a NAN correspondent, recalled her frustration in the 2023 presidential election when her name was missing from the voter roll despite having traveled home specifically to vote.
“I wasted my time and money,” she lamented, stating she had no intention of going through the same ordeal again.
Mrs. Gloria Effiong, a food vendor, noted that there was little election-related campaigning, leaving many unaware that the polls were even taking place.
Advertorial
“There was no house-to-house campaign, and no one reached out to inform me about the election,” she said, adding that she was focused on earning a living and wouldn’t be remembered by elected officials even if they won.
Samuel Chidi, a tricycle operator, expressed skepticism about the integrity of the elections, claiming that the results were predetermined by the electoral authorities.
“The people’s votes no longer count,” he said, emphasizing his lack of confidence in the process and stating that he had no intention of voting.
