AnambraDecides: Traders defy police restriction, open shops as governorship election kicks off
Story by Okafor Vivian
Despite a police order restricting movement across Anambra State, several traders in Onitsha defied the directive and opened for business on Saturday morning as voting began in the 2025 governorship election.
By sunrise, makeshift stalls had sprung up around the popular Relief Market area, where foodstuffs, vegetables, and household essentials were displayed for early shoppers. According to reports, the streets buzzed with activity as residents hurried to make purchases before heading to their polling units.
The usual election day, quiet was replaced by the sounds of traders calling out prices, the chatter of customers, and the aroma of freshly cooked food drifting through the air.
READ ALSO: Anambra Governorship Election: Police enforce total lockdown on vehicular movement
A vegetable seller, Mrs. Grace Ezeh, said staying home was never an option.
“Elections may be important, but so is our livelihood,” she said
Another resident, Mrs. Ngozi Uche, explained she only stepped out briefly to buy food before casting her vote.
“I need to buy some food before I go vote,” she said.
In Awka, the state capital, residents were also seen making early market runs. Chisom Uzor, a voter, said,
“I came to buy food which I will eat this morning before going to vote.”
Despite police patrols in parts of Onitsha and along the Awka–Enugu Expressway, a few vehicles were still seen moving, picking up and dropping off passengers.
READ ALSO: 2025 Anambra Guber Election: How I See The Contestants – By Azuh Arinze
The Anambra State Police Command had earlier announced a total restriction of vehicular movement from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day, warning that violators would be arrested.
Meanwhile, sixteen candidates from sixteen political parties are contesting in the election, including the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who is seeking re-election for a second term.
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