Election Dispute in Anambra South Senatorial Zone
The recent senatorial by-election in the Anambra South Senatorial zone has sparked significant controversy, with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the results and accusing the ruling party of widespread electoral malpractice. Azuka Okwuosa, the APC candidate, has rejected the election outcome, citing allegations of rigging, intimidation, and manipulation.
Okwuosa accused the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the ruling party in the state, of using security operatives and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sabotage the process. He described the elections as a “severe blow to the country’s democratic integrity.” According to the results announced by INEC, APGA’s Emmanuel Nwachukwu emerged victorious with 90,408 votes, while Okwuosa received 19,847 votes, and Donald Amamgbo of the African Democratic Congress secured 2,889 votes.
At a press conference held in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Okwuosa criticized the conduct of the elections, calling it a “charade, a rape on the people’s mandate,” and an embarrassment to democracy. He alleged that APGA, along with the state government, deployed the state security apparatus known as Operation Udo-ga-chi and Agunechemba to intimidate voters and manipulate the process.
Okwuosa claimed that the election lacked integrity, competence, neutrality, and moral standing, and he urged for the results to be rejected on moral grounds. He described how over 300 operatives of the Udo-ga-chi group, consisting of individuals with questionable backgrounds, invaded all seven local government areas in the Anambra South Senatorial zone. He also alleged that the group laid siege to his residence, preventing him from casting his vote, although he managed to do so before their arrival.
According to Okwuosa, his political party had warned about the potential for such incidents before the election, noting that they were aware the ruling party intended to use the state apparatus to intimidate and influence voters. He highlighted the involvement of several local authorities, including the Area Commander of Oraifite, the president-general of Oraifite Town Union, the local government Chairman of Ekwusigo, and a House of Assembly member in the alleged attack on his home.
Okwuosa expressed deep concern over the level of chaos witnessed during the by-elections, which occurred across multiple local government areas. He emphasized that the situation was captured on camera, and he felt compelled to address the public through the media. He urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, despite the unprecedented level of violence.
He criticized the Anambra State government under Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for failing to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, leading to insecurity and economic instability in the region. Okwuosa argued that the government had not fulfilled its fundamental responsibilities.
In response, APGA, through its Publicity Secretary Mazi Ejimofor Opara, dismissed Okwuosa's claims as a “rant of a loser,” insisting that Anambra is firmly under APGA's control. Opara stated that the APC had no real presence in the state and accused Okwuosa of attempting to subvert the will of the people. He also highlighted alleged misconduct by Okwuosa’s supporters, including the hijacking of electoral materials and violence against officials.
Opara concluded by stating that the will of the people had prevailed in the election and that legal actions would follow against those involved in the reported criminal activities. The dispute underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in the region.
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