Nri, Anambra State (Nigeria): Senator Uche Ekwunife, the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in Anambra, has accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of orchestrating the unrest that marred Saturday’s election in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area.
Ekwunife, at a media parley in Nri, said that the ‘unprovoked tension’ at
Ward 1, Polling Units 001, 002 and 003 were caused by some thugs allegedly hired by APGA with the intention to disrupt the voting process in her voting centre.
She, however, commended the timely intervention of Nri youths and the professionalism of the security operatives on the ground in ensuring that the will of the people prevailed.
Ekwunife said that the swift action restored calm and allowed voting to resume after a brief suspension of the process.
She also alleged widespread vote buying during the election period across several polling units in the area, stating that this indicated a premature level of ambition among some politicians vying to lead the people.
“Why the use of political inducement to sway voters to one side? If you are sure of serving the basic needs of the people, the results will speak for themselves.
“Representatives of some major political parties were seen openly giving money to voters in exchange for their vote support. This is an eyesore.
“There is an urgent need for my colleagues and the relevant authorities to take more drastic action against vote buying in Nigeria.
“If this menace is not checked, it will become almost impossible for competent and capable individuals to emerge as leaders and serve their people effectively,” she said.
The Ekwunife’s claims, however, were countered by the APGA chairman in Anaocha Local Government Area, Chief Anthony Ugorji.
Ugorji, in a swift reaction to the allegations, said that APGA did not send any group or individuals to disrupt the election process in the area, although he confirmed the attack.
He stated that he was not an eyewitness to the disruption, but that a report had been sent to him.
He, however, said that the situation was brought under control, allowing the process to continue, and that everything eventually ended on a smooth note.
