Tension rose in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday after a brief disruption during the governorship election, leading to a war of words between the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chairman in the area, Chief Anthony Ugorji.
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Ekwunife accused the ruling party, APGA, of being behind the unrest that broke out at Ward 1, Polling Units 001, 002, and 003, alleging that thugs loyal to the party attempted to interfere with the voting process. She made the accusation during a media briefing in Nri, claiming that the disruption was aimed at frustrating the exercise in her voting area.
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The APC candidate, however, commended the prompt reaction of local youths and the professionalism of the security operatives present at the scene. Their quick response, she said, restored calm and allowed voting to resume after a temporary suspension of the process.
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Ekwunife also spoke on reports of vote buying in several polling units within the area, describing it as a growing problem that weakens the democratic process. She urged political leaders and authorities to act firmly against the practice, warning that the continued use of money to influence voters could prevent capable candidates from emerging as genuine representatives of the people.
Responding to the claims, the APGA chairman for Anaocha, Chief Anthony Ugorji, denied any involvement of his party in the incident. He stated that APGA neither sponsored nor sent anyone to disrupt the election, although he confirmed hearing reports of a brief disturbance in the area. According to him, the situation was swiftly brought under control, and the election continued peacefully.
The voting exercise in Nri was later completed without further unrest, but the exchange between both party leaders has continued to attract attention as results from polling units across Anambra State are being collated.
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