A 74-year-old man, Pa Julius Nwafor, was among the first voters to arrive at Polling Unit 002, Umuezeadigo Street, in Isuofia community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday as the state’s governorship election commenced.
Isuofia is the hometown of incumbent Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, while Aguata is one of the seven local government areas that make up Anambra South Senatorial District.
Pa Nwafor, who was assisted to the polling unit by his elderly daughter around 7:30 a.m., told PUNCH that he viewed voting as a patriotic duty.
“Even though I am visually impaired, as long as I am a Nigerian, I am supposed to vote to satisfy my conscience. And that’s why I am here,” the elderly trader said.
Witnesses said Pa Nwafor waited patiently under the morning sun as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set up materials for the accreditation process.
The Anambra governorship election features 16 candidates, including Governor Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who is seeking re-election amid rising voter discontent and growing opposition momentum.
