Traders around the Relief Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have defied police order on movement today, November 8, choosing to sell their wares as the governorship election got underway.
By sunrise, according videos shared on social media, makeshift stalls had appeared along the major roads near the market. Food items, vegetables, and other essentials were spread out for buyers, as many residents rushed to make early purchases before heading to their polling units.
Despite the police patrol teams enforcing the restriction order, the area remained busy. The air was filled with the sound of bargaining, the clatter of wares, and the smell of freshly cooked food.
A vegetable seller, Mrs Grace Ezeh, told Punch that staying at home was not an option for her. “Elections may be important, but so is our livelihood,” she said.
Another resident, Mrs Ngozi Uche, explained that she only came out to buy food before going to cast her vote. “I need to buy some food before I go vote,” she said.
In Awka, the state capital, Chisom Uzor said he also needed to stock up before heading to the polling booth. “I came to buy food which I will eat this morning before going to vote,” he said.
A few vehicles were spotted on the Onitsha, Awka, Enugu Expressway, picking up and dropping off passengers despite the restriction.
The Anambra State Police Command had on Friday announced that there would be no movement between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. on election day, warning that defaulters would face arrest.
Sixteen candidates from sixteen political parties are vying for the governorship seat, including the incumbent, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
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