Anambra South voters decide senate seat after Ubah’s death

DDM News

(DDM) – Voters in Anambra South Senatorial District headed to the polls on Saturday, August 16, 2025, for a crucial by-election to fill a vacant seat in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.

The election was triggered by the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024, which left the senatorial seat vacant.

DDM gathered that over 909,000 registered voters were expected to participate, though early turnout remained low across several polling units.

Reports from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) indicated that many residents stayed home despite the significance of the poll.

At a polling unit in Nnewi, some voters expressed frustration over unfulfilled political promises.

An elderly voter, Mama Ngozi Okeke, told reporters that despite disappointments, citizens still came out to vote because their voices mattered.

INEC officials assured voters of fairness and transparency while acknowledging some early logistical issues.

The commission also raised concerns about possible vote-buying, warning that strict measures had been put in place to prevent electoral malpractice.

Security agencies maintained heavy presence across the senatorial district to ensure peace during the exercise.

Several political parties fielded candidates, with Chris Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) nominee seen as frontrunners.

The contest was also viewed as a test of strength for Labour Party structures in the South-East following its recent gains in federal and state elections.

DDM reports that analysts consider the election a litmus test for democracy in Anambra, especially given its history of high-stakes contests.

Many political watchers believe the outcome will shape alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Residents across towns like Nnewi, Ihiala, Ekwulobia, and Uga were seen gradually trooping to polling centers later in the afternoon.

Civil society groups monitoring the process called for vigilance, urging citizens to resist inducements and protect the sanctity of their votes.

The police and other security agencies warned political actors against acts capable of inciting violence or disrupting the electoral process.

By late afternoon, voting was ongoing in most polling units, with counting expected to commence immediately after the close of polls.

Results were projected to be announced by evening, pending collation across wards and local government areas.

The outcome of the Anambra South by-election, observers say, could reshape political calculations in the South-East and influence the balance of power in the Senate.

For many voters, the exercise is not just about replacing a late senator but about redefining political representation for the district.

🚨 Follow DDM WhatsApp channel Now!

Get breaking news, hot gist, and updates FIRST!

*📲 Click to join 👇* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g

*Apply at the link below and Start Your Tech Journey:*

👇🏽

https://www.ddm.media/cohort-6

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook