AnambraElection: Youths Shun Polling Units for Street Football as Businesses Reopen in Awka

Many young people in Awka showed little interest in the ongoing Anambra governorship election on Saturday.

While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials were setting up polling units, some youths in the state capital preferred to play street football instead of heading to vote.

Across parts of Awka, the usual election-day quietness was replaced with scenes of normal daily life.

Small shops opened for business, food vendors set up early, and transport operators moved freely through major streets. The mood was calm but noticeably indifferent.

POLITICS NIGERIA observed that in some areas like Aroma, Eke Awka, and Ifite, youths were seen kicking footballs and cheering loudly as matches went on.

“We just want to enjoy the day,” one of the players said, explaining that most people around didn’t believe their votes would change anything.

However, in parts of Okpuno and Mgbakwu, there were signs of modest voter activity. Residents were seen trickling into polling centres for accreditation.

Despite the low turnout, the process was peaceful, and security agents maintained order around the voting points.

In Uruotulu community, a different approach was used to encourage participation. A mobile town crier drove around the streets, announcing through loudspeakers: “Wherever you are, come out and vote.”

The message echoed through the neighbourhood in an effort to draw out more voters.

At about 8:54 a.m., voting had not yet started at Polling Units 004 and 005 in Umuobi Village Hall, Awkuzu. Despite the delay, some voters were already in line, waiting patiently for INEC officials to begin the process.

Security personnel at the venue confirmed that the area was calm and no incidents had been recorded.

Meanwhile, business gradually picked up around the polling units. Provision stores opened their doors, while food sellers arranged their tables to serve early voters.

A food vendor, Justina Oyibo, said she came out to feed residents who would be at the polling centres for long hours. “People will definitely need something to eat while waiting to vote,” she told reporters.

Another vendor, Grace Igwebuike, added that many left their homes early without breakfast, so selling food nearby was a good way to support the voters.

The general atmosphere in Awka suggested that while the election was underway, many residents seemed unconcerned, choosing routine activities over political participation.