By Baron Ike
Results trickling in from the Saturday, November 18 Anambra State governorship election indicate that the ruling party, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is hopeful of retaining the state by the time the results are officially released.
Some party faithful are already in joyous mood, jubilating and making merry in parts of the state.
So far, most of the results from the polling units and booths saw the APGA leading comfortably followed in some cases by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Obiano got the highest number of votes so far declared in places like Nnewi South, Awka North and South council areas as well as in three council areas in Anambra North. Also in Anambra South, Obiano’s APGA is currently showing signs of total victory in most of the pulling centres which results from the council areas are out.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to officially make pronouncement on the election, though.
Results from the polling units of the APGA Chairman, Victor Oye and other leaders of the party indicated clear cut victory.
Former national chairman of APGA, Victor Umeh also delivered his Aguluzigbo ward for APGA, getting 1467 against the APC (373) and PDP (249).
There were indications that before the closed of business today, most of the results would have been received and the party to carry the day known.
But many analysts are already saying the APGA has shown strong indication of winning the election going by results so far released.
The APC candidate, Tony Nwoye was seen complaining about the police harassing his supporters.
Also, the PDP candidate, Oseloka Obaze said they were investigating allegations of multiple thumb-printing in parts of Ogbaru area of the state.
For the APGA candidate and governor of Anambra state, Obiano, the lection was peaceful with little incidents recorded so far by the time he cast his own ballot.
Contrary to earlier fears that the election would be boycotted, the opposite was rather the case as there was massive turn out for the election.
Also, the exercise was peaceful while voters enjoyed the opportunity of casting their ballot without molestation by the deluge security operatives drawn from the police, army and civil defence.
Members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) had warned the people to stay away from voting, and had threatened to disrupt the election if the need arose.
But the exercise turned out to be one of the most peaceful elections held in Anambra despite the electrifying electioneering and name calling that most of the candidates deployed when soliciting votes from the Anambra electorate.
From the three senatorial zones, voters turned out en mass to cast their ballot.
Although local observers like the Transition Monotoring Group (TMG) led by Abiola Afolabi expressed mixed feelings over the malfunction of INEC card reading machine in some places, she however commended the INEC saying there was considerable improvement from previous exercises.