In a dramatic turn of events during the Anambra governorship election, Labour Party candidate George Moghalu was defeated at his own polling unit by the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The voting took place at Polling Unit 017, Uruagu Ward 1, in Nnewi North Local Government Area, where Moghalu personally cast his ballot earlier in the day. Out of 463 registered voters, only 86 were accredited for the election, reflecting a low voter turnout despite the tension that had built up in the area.
According to official figures from polling officers, Soludo secured 57 votes, while Moghalu trailed behind with 22 votes. The rest went to other candidates.
The outcome drew mixed reactions among party supporters in the area. Some Labour Party faithful expressed disappointment over the result, describing it as “unexpected.” One voter, who identified himself simply as Obinna, told Observers Times, “We thought Moghalu would at least win his polling unit. People here respect him, but politics in Nnewi has always been unpredictable.”
On the other hand, jubilant APGA supporters could not hide their excitement. Dancing and chanting songs of victory, they hailed Soludo as “the people’s governor.” A supporter, Mrs. Ifeoma Eze, said, “Soludo has done well for Anambra. This result shows the people are still with him.”
As results continue to trickle in from across the state, observers note that the election has so far been relatively peaceful, though marred by reports of voter apathy and isolated incidents of alleged vote buying in some polling areas.
Prof. Soludo had earlier expressed confidence in his chances, saying during a brief chat with reporters after casting his vote that, “Even if my opponents share N100,000 per voter, I will still win by a landslide. My performance and integrity are my campaign.”
