Ashes and charred metal that used to remain at the electoral office in Ojoto in south-eastern Nigeria. A gape hole in the wall that was still standing, the roof blown off.
Earlier this month, gunmen scaled a wall and passed through barbed wire before throwing Molotov cocktails through a window. A gas cylinder exploded, all but destroying the building.
Similar attacks have taken place elsewhere in the southeast of Africa’s most populous country as Nigerians prepare for the February 25 presidential election.
The region is still traumatized by the 1967-1970 civil war sparked by the declaration of independence for the Republic of Biafra by Igbo ethnic army officers that left millions dead.
Many in southeast Nigeria feel alienated from the federal government in Abuja after years of underinvestment.
That has given extremist views on the secession of the Igbo-majority region, one of Nigeria’s three main ethnic groups along with the Hausa in the north and the Yoruba in the southwest.
But now, unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history, a surprise candidate from the southeast has a chance in the race to replace President Muhammadu Buhari, who left power after two terms marked by much insecurity and poverty.
With the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, some voters in the region are finally ready to believe in change.
Speaking near Anambra’s Eke Awgbu market, Azuka Ibeka said she will vote for Obi. “I saw his work with my own eyes, what he did when he was governor. And he is original, Igbo, like us.
Angry at the lack of cash, the 42-year-old woman added: “I will not listen to the promises of others who only speak with their mouths. I will vote with my eyes.”
‘Most competent’
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, no Igbo has been elected head of state, further emphasizing the region’s sense of marginalization.
Obi, a wealthy merchant and a devout Christian, said he is running as a candidate for all Nigerians and not as an Igbo hopeful.
Famous for his integrity, the 61-year-old presents himself as a counter model to the two main rivals, elderly figures of the establishment accused of corruption.
“We did not choose Obi just because he is Igbo, but because he is the best and most competent person,” said Chigozie Okoye, a 28-year-old fashion designer.
“And the other thing, can’t lead us. How (can) a man in his 70s lead us? We need someone who is very good and full of energy.
Former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu, 70, is the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and former vice president Atiku Abubakar, 76, is running for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obi has attracted a lot of attention on social media and has been able to connect with many young Nigerians, who are eager for change.
Disappointment
Past Nigerian elections have been marred by violence, vote buying, delays and campaigns marked by appeals to ethnic loyalties.
In his home state, Obi is seen smiling on campaign posters that are in town and country.
His victory, however, is far from guaranteed. The south-east is certainly his territory, but it is also a PDP stronghold historically.
“Before you eat today, it’s a problem. We are tired, things are not good,” said Godwin Henry, 28, who earns a living by unloading trucks and will choose “My heart”.
“The majority will choose Atiku. It’s time to move, have experience. Everything will change. With him, everything will be better.”
Against the backdrop of insecurity and separatist tendencies, the level of participation remains unknown in the southeast. Even nationally, participation was only around 35 percent in 2019.
Armed groups have attacked the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, government buildings and police officers in the past two years.
Most of the attacks have been blamed on the outlawed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which is pushing for a separate state for the Igbos.
IPOB has always denied allegations that the armed wing of the Eastern Security Network was behind the violence.
Even if the movement does not call for a boycott, it remains to be seen what proportion of the population will not participate in the elections due to conviction or intimidation.
State police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga urged “people to come out and vote safely”, promising a strong police presence.
Obi was predicted to be the winner by many opinion polls, which are often unreliable in Nigeria.
The defeat will fuel the “fire” of IPOB supporters and increase the disillusionment of the youth, Nigerian political research group SBM Intelligence said.