From Nnamdi Ofonye, Owerri
The Imo state governorship supplementary election took place today in about 259 wards across 23 local government areas where election results were earlier cancelled due to election violence and other related issues in the state.
Our reporter, Nnamdi Ofonye who monitored the exercise reports that the election went on smoothly and peacefully in areas visited except for few cases of card reader malfunctions which delayed commencements of accreditation and voting.
As early as 8am, shops, other businesses and the ever busy streets of Owerri city and that of other towns within the state looked deserted owing to no movement order by the police in the state.
However, for those that had any reason to break the law, security operatives were adequately on ground to barricade the major routes and forced a strict compliance to the directive but not without giving concession to those on essential duties.
Eligible voters came out in their numbers to exercise their franchise with the sole motive of bringing the protracted electioneering process in the state to a logical end irrespective of who carries the day.
Some of the voters who spoke to our reporter expressed satisfaction on the peaceful conduct of the election despite some little hitches emanating from the failure of card readers in some areas.
Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, collation of results is ongoing at the wards and local government level while the final pronouncement of the winner by INEC is expected in few hours ahead.
