As dawn crept over Awka, tension quietly simmered—the outcome of the Anambra governorship election—which many described as a pivotal moment for the South-East—hung in the balance. Across the state, from the busy streets of Onitsha to remote villages, anxious residents asked themselves: “When will the official results finally come out?” It’s a pertinent question, given how fiercely contested governorship elections have shaped the political landscape in Anambra over the years. This time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) didn’t just keep Nigerians waiting—they also left the air thick with both hope and skepticism as the collation process faced an overnight adjournment.
INEC Suspends Anambra Election Collation: What’s at Stake?
According to Professor Edogah Omoregie, the INEC State Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, the collation of the governorship election results was put on hold in the early hours of Sunday morning. Addressing party agents, observers, and the press inside INEC’s Awka headquarters, Professor Omoregie explained that, of the 21 local government areas in Anambra, results from 19 had been announced. However, the process ground to a halt while officials awaited the outstanding results from two critical LGAs, Aguata and Orumba North.
“We have taken 19 local governments, and we still have two left, but they have not arrived. So we are withdrawing now and will return in an hour, which will be 6am,” Professor Omoregie reportedly stated. For many, this was another long, sleepless night—elections in Nigeria are seldom without drama, and this one proved no different.
Election Night Drama: Suspense in Every Corner
Residents described the wait as “holding one’s breath,” with party supporters, election observers, and regular Nigerians glued to their radios, TVs, and phones. Maryam, a trader in Onitsha, said, “It’s as if time has stopped—nobody in my compound has slept since yesterday night, everyone just dey wait.” The street corners buzzed with speculation and unofficial projections; some pointed to “logistics wahala,” while others voiced concerns about electoral malpractice. INEC, for its part, maintained the adjournment was routine, citing the need for transparency and accuracy.
This pause echoes familiar scenes from past Nigerian elections—where every collation delay prompts both excitement and anxiety, especially when the stakes are so high for jobs, infrastructure, and security in the state. Would the process end peacefully, or would the unexpected happen?
Soludo’s Dominance: APGA Leads, But Can They Hold On?
Amid all the suspense, one fact seemed clear: The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, was reportedly in a commanding lead. After tallying results from the 19 LGAs announced before the pause, APGA had reportedly polled 389,789 votes—giving it a huge margin over the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 91,592, Labour Party with 10,366, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at 1,230.
“This is an unprecedented margin in recent Anambra history,” noted Mr. Emeka Nwachukwu, an Awka-based political analyst. “If those two LGAs fall in line with the trend, Soludo may well be on his way to a second term.” However, as any seasoned Nigerian would say, “when e come to election for Naija, you no fit conclude until dem call last result.”
- APGA: 389,789 votes
- APC: 91,592 votes
- Labour Party: 10,366 votes
- PDP: 1,230 votes
This landslide seemed to echo Anambra’s historic loyalty to APGA, rooted in the party’s record and Soludo’s widespread appeal. But with two LGAs left, party agents cautioned against premature celebrations.
Why Anambra’s 2024 Governorship Election Matters
Elections in Anambra rarely attract this level of national and even international attention. For many, it’s not just about who leads the state—it’s about setting a precedent for election integrity and peaceful transitions in the South-East. Youth organizations, women’s groups, and civic activists were vocal in urging INEC to ensure transparency, echoing calls from groups like INEC and international observers.
“It’s high time we see elections that reflect the true will of the people,” said Nkiru Okeke, a youth leader from Nnewi. The economic implications are also significant: Anambra serves as a key commercial hub, linking the Eastern region to other parts of Nigeria—whoever becomes governor will face immediate pressure to address issues like unemployment, security, and infrastructural decay.
Collation Adjournments: Process or Problem?
Some residents voiced concern that collation adjournments could be used to compromise electoral integrity. Others, however, argued that waiting for all results before concluding the process is a safeguard designed to prevent rushed or manipulated outcomes—a process confirmed by INEC protocol and in line with Nigerian electoral law (see more).
According to Dr. Balarabe Musa, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, “INEC’s decision to adjourn is not unusual, but every hour of delay allows for rumors to spread. Transparency throughout is key to sustaining trust in the process.”
This isn’t the first time results collation has been delayed in Nigeria—experts compare it to similar adjournments in the Edo and Ondo governorship polls, where timely communication ultimately eased local tensions.
Nigerian Reactions and The Way Forward
From market women in Ekwulobia to students streaming updates online, questions fueled heated debates: “Will Soludo’s lead survive the last hurdle?” “Will INEC deliver a free and fair outcome?” Even across social media, #AnambraDecides24 began trending, as Nigerians nationwide joined the discussion.
Despite the tension and uncertainty, one thing was clear—Nigerians remained resilient and optimistic. As morning broke over Awka, everyone knew the next 24 hours would be decisive—not just for Anambra, but as another test case for Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
What Happens Next in the Anambra Governorship Collation?
By the time you read this, the remaining two local government results may already be in. INEC officials were expected to reconvene at 6am, with the eyes of the nation watching every move. As history has shown, anything can happen at the last moment—but, according to most credible projections and current tallies, APGA’s Soludo appears on course to retain the governorship, pending the official declaration.
For the people of Anambra and their neighbors across Nigeria, this moment represents more than just a tally of votes—it’s a signpost for what’s possible when transparency, patience, and vigilance come together in our electoral process. But as we say often, “na for Nigeria anything fit happen until dem close market.” Stay alert, stay informed, and let’s keep watching together.
What’s your take on the delayed collation in Anambra? Do you believe these adjournments are for the best—or do they create more confusion? Drop your opinions below and follow for new updates as the story unfolds!
