The Anambra State Police Command has informed the general public that the Anambra State Central Senatorial Election scheduled to take place on January 13, at the 109 wards of the seven Local Government Areas of the State will be held and that movement would be restricted in the affected areas.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed the rerun poll after the Appeal Court ordered that the exercise be conducted within 90 days.
Attempts were being made to truncate the poll by interested politicians from the state who feel that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Victor Umeh would win convincingly.
Several court cases were instituted, some of which were decided at the Supreme Court level before the Appeal Court which has the final authority over the conduct of Senatorial election ruled that the exercise be held on Saturday, January 13.
Former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2015 election in the Anambra Central Senatorial zone, Uche Ekwunife was the one who was declared winner initially before the Appeal Court nullified the election and called the earlier decision of the tribunal to uphold her victory as perverse.
With the rerun taking place on Saturday, it is believed that Umeh will emerge victorious and resume at the senate after more than two years of the zone not being represented.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Garba Baba Umar said in a statement on Wednesday that “Based on the above, the Command wishes to inform the public that there will be restriction of movement within the affected Local Government Areas which include:, Awka North, Awka South, Dunukofia, Njikoka , Idemili North, Idemili South and Anaocha.
“Road Traffic warders will however, be on hand to direct road users on alternate routes.
“The Police and other security agencies are ready to ensure that the electioneering campaign and the voting on 13th January, 2018 are conducted smoothly without public disturbance and assures all Political Parties, candidates, supporters,including the general public of their safety throughout the period of voting and collation.
“The Command solicits the cooperation of voters and the general public in obeying the restriction order and the general electoral rules in order to have a hitch free Elections.
“Anambra State is known for peaceful conduct of Election, I urge Ndi-Anambra and its residents to be peaceful and orderly on the Election day.
“Thank you and God Bless.”