… Security operatives fire gunshots around PDP candidate’s polling unit
Stephen Ukandu, News/Features editor
The off-season governorship election in Imo State has been characterised by voter apathy.
This is as gunshots were reported around the polling unit of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
It was reported that some armed men suspected to be security operatives fired at the Amaimo Registration Centre in Ikeduru Local Government Area, ostensibly to restore calm following a heated argument in the area.
Only a handful of voters were said to be around the polling unit as at the time of the incident.
Tension appears heightened in parts of the state because of security concerns.
The exercise is reportedly marred by voter apathy especially around Orlu zone which is the epicenter of insecurity in the state.
Despite assurances by security agencies, voters appear to have kept their distances from the polling booths for fear of the unknown.
Meanwhile, Governor of the state and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Hope Uzodimma, has expressed satisfaction with the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, over the conduct of the election.
Speaking after voting in his Omuma Ward, Uzodimma lauded the residents of the state, especially his community, for coming out en masse to cast their ballots.
The governor also gave thumbs up to security operatives for ensuring calm and general safety during the election so far.
He also said he was impressed with the turnout of voters especially against the backdrop of recent elections in the state.