The 2024 Local Government Elections in several areas of Anambra State, including Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Anambra East, and Nnewi North, were marred by widespread apathy and logistical issues, particularly the late arrival of electoral materials. Many voters expressed disappointment at the lack of organization and transparency in the electoral process, with several polling stations reporting missing or incomplete voting materials, such as ballot papers and result sheets.

In Onitsha and Nnewi, some residents who had initially shown interest in voting became frustrated as election officials and materials arrived late or not at all. This led to claims that the election was poorly executed and that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led state government was more focused on maintaining political control than ensuring a fair election. Some voters alleged that the state government intentionally disregarded electoral guidelines in order to claim victory in all 21 local government areas of the state, following a trend seen among governors in other parts of the country.

In Anambra East, particularly in Nsugbe, the home of Senator Tony Nwoye, who represents Anambra North Senatorial Zone under the Labour Party, residents came out to vote but were left disappointed when no electoral officials or materials arrived to facilitate the election. Voters like Samuel Odinaka, who had gathered at Nsugbe Ward 2, reported that over 1,000 people were ready to vote but were unable to do so due to the absence of necessary materials.

The situation was similarly chaotic in Nnewi North, where voters gathered as early as 8:00 a.m., only to find that there were no electoral officials or materials at polling stations like Okpuno Egbo in Ward 2. In Akabo Ukwu, Uruagu Nnewi, voters boycotted the election after officials arrived late and with incomplete materials. According to a local voter, John Okoye, the officials only brought materials for one out of six wards, prompting anger and frustration among the electorate. Voters chanted slogans like “No complete voting materials, no voting,” and, in some instances, electoral officials had to flee the polling stations to avoid confrontation with angry voters.

In many of the polling units visited by Sunday Vanguard, only supporters of the APGA were seen, while members of other major political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) were absent. Chief Ambrose Ekeh, the factional chairman of the PDP in Ward 14 of Onitsha North, described the election as a sham, expressing disappointment with the process. He noted that while some people were still attempting to vote, the entire process lacked the proper structure and fairness required for a credible election. Ekeh and others indicated that they would wait for the final outcome but remained skeptical about the legitimacy of the election.