Anambra youths shun voting, focus on football as polls open

Small markets remained open, and groups of men were seen playing football at street corners in several neighborhoods of Awka, as the 2025 governorship election unfolds in Anambra State.
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‎Meanwhile, at nearby towns such as Okpuno and Mgbakwu, voters began arriving quietly for accreditation ahead of the polls. A mobile town crier at Uruotulu, Awka, used a public address system to rally voters, urging citizens to head to polling stations to exercise their electoral rights.
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At polling units 004 and 005 at Umuobi Village Hall, Awkuzu, voters queued by 8:54 a.m., although voting had not yet commenced as officials were finalizing preparations. Security agents stationed at the venue confirmed that all was calm and no threats had been reported.
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Commercial activities were ongoing near polling centers, with provision shops and food vendors serving early voters. Justina Oyibo, a food seller stated that she came out to meet the expected demand because voters will need something to eat, as many left home early without breakfast to cast their votes.
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As over 2.7 million voters prepare to elect the next governor of the state, election officials and security forces continue to work to ensure a peaceful process.