• Soludo blames APC’s Ukachukwu for violence
By Our Correspondent
Tension flared during the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election on Saturday when violence broke out, resulting in alleged attacks on the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odumegwu.
Eyewitnesses said the Deputy Governor was confronted by angry youths and held hostage for over 80 minutes on accusations of engaging in vote-buying.
Commissioner Odumegwu, who reportedly accompanied him, was also attacked before security operatives intervened.
Speaking after casting his vote in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, Governor Chukwuma Soludo condemned the incident and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, of masterminding the assault.
“This is an act of thuggery,” Soludo declared. “Government officials, including the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Environment, were attacked. It’s unacceptable.”
The National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, also accused Ukachukwu of sponsoring thugs to disrupt the election.
“That shows you the kind of governor he would be if, in the unlikely event, he is elected.
“The Commissioner for Environment was attacked by APC thugs sent by their candidate. If not for security operatives at his country home in Ezinifite, Aguata, the outcome could have been tragic, Opara said.
He further questioned Ukachukwu’s presence outside his constituency. “How can Ukachukwu leave his home in Osumenyi, Nnewi South, and go to Ezinifite in Aguata to attack the Commissioner?” he asked.
However, Comrade Tony Uche, an aide to Ukachukwu, swiftly denied the allegations. He insisted that the Deputy Governor and Commissioner stormed Osumenyi with a heavily armed security team to influence the polls.
“If you saw the number of vigilante personnel that came with them—over twenty trucks—you’d understand the youths’ reaction,” Uche said, adding “Ukachukwu never ordered any attack. The people resisted what they perceived as an attempt to hijack the election.”
As of press time, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, had yet to issue an official statement.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that the Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-elections were marred by incidents of violence and widespread allegations of vote-buying.
Voting began as early as 8:30 a.m. in most polling units, with large voter turnout recorded. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned well in many centers, though isolated malfunctions forced some voters to cast their ballots manually with INEC and party agents’ approval.
In Orumba North Local Government Area, voting commenced on time under heavy security after allegations emerged that INEC officials were hoarding materials. Order was later restored and the exercise continued.
At the Onitsha North 1 Constituency by-election, eyewitnesses alleged that thugs were mobilized from Oba and Obosi in Anambra Central Senatorial District to coerce voters into supporting a particular candidate.
