The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, has taken an early lead in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election, clinching victory at his polling unit as counting of votes begins across the state.

Ukachukwu cast his vote at exactly 11:46 a.m. at Umudimala 1, Polling Unit 011, Osumenyi Ward 2, in Nnewi South Local Government Area.

According to the presiding officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Esther Ojukwu, Ukachukwu polled a total of 126 votes, defeating the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who received six votes at the same polling unit.

The APC candidate’s strong performance at his polling unit is being viewed as an early indication of his growing grassroots support in Nnewi South, a key battleground area in the election.

As results continue to trickle in from various polling units across the state, observers are closely watching trends in other local government areas, particularly Aguata, Onitsha North, and Awka South, which are expected to play decisive roles in determining the overall outcome.

INEC officials have confirmed that collation of results will proceed at the ward and local government levels before final announcements are made at the state collation centre in Awka.

Some voters in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as “poor consideration” after allegedly being offered small amounts of money to vote.

A voter who spoke off-camera to the Anambra Broadcasting Cooperation, ABS, expressed anger over the situation.

She stated that as at 9:00 am, no one was at the Central School, Obosi, where the voting took place.

According to her, an announcement was later made urging residents to come out and cast their votes.

She said many people responded and turned out to exercise their civic duty, only to be given N1,000 afterward.

She described the amount as “too small,” considering the stress they went through to participate in the election.

Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Mr Peter Obi has cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

Obi voter at his polling unit 019, Umudim Akasi, Agulu Ward 2, Anaocha Local Government Area.

Obi voted at exactly 11:46 am.

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote, Obi lamented Nigeria’s deteriorating democracy.

He said: “Our democracy is deteriorating, and unfortunately, those who are benefiting from bad governance seem to be fueling it.

“I have been able to listen and move around to see what is happening, and it is bad that we still experience vote buying. Someone who is not employed collects N30,000 for his vote, that means you have sold your school, your hospital, your job opportunities and selling away your future. That is what is very worrisome about our democracy.

“Other countries, even west African countries that are close to us where I have observed election, I haven’t seen something like this happening. This must stop.

“I’m not on the ballot, but I’m a member of Labour Party and I support my candidate, Dr George Moghalu. All the people contesting are my friends and I wish them well.”