The atmosphere at Orji Town Primary School in Owerri North became tense as vote-buying allegations nearly overshadowed the governorship election proceedings at the center. While the units 005, 006, and 007 remained relatively peaceful, intermittent arguments erupted among party agents vying to influence votes for their respective parties.
Voter apathy was evident at the Government House Polling Units to Amimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, where Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, cast his vote. Similarly, in Uzuhomuma 001, Oru-East local government, where incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma voted, voter turnout was notably low.
Community Primary School, Uzinaumu Mgbidi, Ward 1, Polling Unit 008, Oru West LGA, also witnessed voter apathy during the election.
Expressing his frustration, a PDP party agent named Nonso condemned the electorate for allegedly selling their votes for as low as N2000. He emphasized that choosing the wrong candidate could result in years of suffering for an already economically-battered population.
Nonso stated, “I don’t know why people should sell their vote and conscience for N2,000. If the wrong person is elected, they will complain of not getting a fair deal from the government, not knowing that they have mortgaged their lives.”
Surprisingly, a voter confirmed receiving N3000 but asserted that he still voted for the candidate of his choice despite taking the money.
The Orji town primary school witnessed an allegation of vote-buying, leading to a heated argument among party agents in Units 007, 006, and 005. The incident underscores the challenges posed by vote-buying practices and highlights the need for continuous efforts to promote fair and transparent electoral processes.
