The All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in Anambra, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of orchestrating tensions that briefly disrupted voting in Nri, Anaocha LGA, during Saturday’s governorship election.
Addressing reporters in Nri, Ekwunife said the incident at Ward 1, Polling Units 001, 002 and 003 was triggered by “thugs allegedly hired by APGA” to interfere with the process at her voting centre. She commended youths in the community and security agencies for their “swift, professional response,” noting that calm was restored and voting later resumed.
Ekwunife also alleged widespread vote-buying across several units in the area. “Representatives of some major political parties were seen openly giving money to voters in exchange for their vote support,” she said, describing it as an “eyesore” and urging tougher enforcement to deter inducement. “If this menace is not checked, it will become almost impossible for competent and capable individuals to emerge as leaders,” she added.
APGA rejected the allegations. The party’s Anaocha LGA chairman, Chief Anthony Ugorji, confirmed there was a disturbance but denied APGA’s involvement. “APGA did not send any group or individuals to disrupt the election,” he said, adding that although he was not an eyewitness, reports to him indicated the situation was quickly contained and the exercise “ended on a smooth note.”
The episode in Nri came amid INEC’s emphasis on timely logistics and adherence to procedures, and as security agencies pledged robust deployments to safeguard polling units and collation centres. While voting resumed after the disruption, both parties traded accusations as observers urged restraint and called on authorities to fully investigate claims of electoral malpractice.
INEC has reminded stakeholders that only results declared by duly appointed Returning Officers are legally binding, and encouraged the public to rely on official channels for verified outcomes.
