The gubernatorial elections across Nigeria were adjudged more organized and orderly compared to the presidential and national assembly elections held on February 23. Reports from Orient Foundation for Social Justice and Civic Education observers confirmed that more than half of the polling units opened before 9:00 a.m. This improvement reflected a significant upgrade in electoral management and logistics.

Observers monitored various polling units in the South-East states, where agents of the two major political parties — PDP and APC — were present in all locations. Despite improvements, there were still attempts to influence voters’ choices in about 30% of polling stations visited.

Improved Accreditation and Transparency

Voter accreditation showed notable progress. Smart card readers were used in all polling units visited, enhancing the credibility of the process. Ballot boxes were properly sealed and positioned in full public view. Counting and announcement of votes were conducted openly across the polling units, promoting transparency and confidence in the results.

However, multiple cases of vote buying and bribery were reported in some wards. Observers highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to curb this menace in future elections.

Declining Voter Turnout and Confidence in INEC

Despite procedural improvements, voter turnout declined further, with fewer citizens participating compared to the previous elections. This drop was largely attributed to waning confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and skepticism about the integrity of the process.

While enthusiasm was low, polling in the South-East was largely peaceful. Anambra State, operating an off-cycle election system, did not hold its gubernatorial election during this cycle.

Peaceful Polls and Exceptions of Violence

The elections were mostly peaceful in Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, but Rivers, Delta, and Lagos recorded varying degrees of violence and disruptions. In Rivers State, collation centers were invaded by soldiers and armed gangs, resulting in the suspension of elections. However, the South-East states maintained calm and order throughout the exercise.

Enugu State: Ugwuanyi Wins Landslide Victory

In Enugu State, incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of the PDP secured a landslide victory over Senator Ayogu Eze of the APC. Ugwuanyi swept all 17 Local Government Areas, polling 449,935 votes against Eze’s 10,423 votes. His re-election reflected continued trust in his administration’s leadership and policies.

Abia State: Ikpeazu Retains Seat

Okezie Ikpeazu, the PDP candidate, was declared the winner in Abia State, polling 261,127 votes to defeat Uche Ogah of the APC, who garnered 99,574 votes. The result demonstrated the PDP’s strong political presence in the region and voter confidence in Ikpeazu’s developmental agenda.

Ebonyi State: Umahi Dominates All LGAs

In Ebonyi State, Governor David Umahi of the PDP achieved an overwhelming victory, securing 393,043 votes against 81,703 from his APC rival, Sonni Ogbuoji. Umahi’s triumph across all 13 LGAs and 171 wards reflected total dominance and widespread acceptance of his governance.

Imo State: PDP’s Ihedioha Triumphs Amid Tension

In Imo State, PDP candidate Emeka Ihedioha emerged victorious with 273,404 votes, defeating Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (190,360 votes) and Hope Uzodimma of the APC (96,458 votes).

Tensions rose during collation due to disputes over results from Ideato South LGA, home of then-Governor Rochas Okorocha. The situation was contained, and collation resumed peacefully. Ihedioha’s victory marked a major political shift in Imo, as the PDP reclaimed dominance after intense competition among PDP, AA, APGA, and APC candidates.

Delta State: Okowa Secures Another Term

In Delta State, incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP faced stiff competition from APC’s Great Ovedje Ogboru. Although irregularities were reported in the figures of accredited voters, INEC resumed collation and declared Okowa the winner.

Okowa polled 925,274 votes, defeating Ogboru who secured 215,938 votes. Despite minor outbreaks of violence, the process concluded successfully, solidifying PDP’s control in the South-South.

Lagos State: Sanwo-Olu Clinches Victory

In Lagos State, APC candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu triumphed over PDP’s Jimi Agbaje, earning 739,445 votes compared to Agbaje’s 206,141 votes. Backed by Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu’s victory came amid reports of violence, vote buying, and multiple voting. Nonetheless, the APC maintained its stronghold on Lagos politics.

Rivers State: Wike Declared Winner After Tense Collation

In Rivers State, the election atmosphere was highly volatile. After initial suspension due to violence and military interference, INEC eventually declared Governor Nyesom Wike of the PDP the winner. Wike secured 886,264 votes, defeating Biokpomabo Awara of the AAC, who polled 173,859 votes.

Other contenders included Dumo Lulu-Briggs (AP), Victor Fingesi (ADP), and Isaac Wonwu (LP). Wike’s victory reinforced his influence in Rivers politics despite the tense pre- and post-election environment.

Conclusion: A Call for Electoral Integrity and Reform

The 2023 gubernatorial elections showcased moderate progress in organization and transparency but revealed deep-rooted issues in Nigeria’s electoral framework. From declining voter confidence to cases of violence and vote buying, the nation’s democratic process still requires significant reform.

The Orient Foundation for Social Justice and Civic Education emphasizes the need for sustained electoral education, institutional accountability, and strengthened democratic values to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the future.