(DDM) – Pre-thumbprinted ballot papers marked in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were reportedly intercepted on Saturday at Aguata High School, Ekwulobia, in Anambra State.
DDM gathered that the seized papers were allegedly prepared to be smuggled into ballot boxes during the Anambra South Senatorial by-election.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the papers were discovered by vigilant party agents and security personnel at the polling centre.
The development immediately caused tension among voters and observers who accused unnamed political actors of attempting to subvert the electoral process.
Donald Amamgbo, the ADC candidate in the Anambra South Senatorial race, is directly affected by the scandal.
He is one of the opposition-backed contenders endorsed by former Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
ADC was recently adopted by Obi and other opposition leaders as part of a coalition strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegations, however, sparked outrage within the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), which quickly condemned the reports.
In a statement made available to DDM, COPDEM Anambra described the incident as “an orchestrated smear campaign” designed to discredit ADC.
The coalition insisted that the opposition party is being targeted by rivals who fear its growing popularity in the region.
“COPDEM categorically condemns this malicious attempt to link ADC to electoral malpractice,” the statement read.
“This is a calculated ploy to damage the credibility of ADC and undermine its candidate, Donald Amamgbo, in the eyes of voters.”
Party officials argued that those behind the interception narrative are determined to tarnish ADC’s reputation ahead of the polls.
They stressed that the party remains committed to democratic principles and will not indulge in fraudulent electoral activities.
Security operatives at the scene reportedly removed the controversial ballot papers and confirmed investigations had begun.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
The Anambra South Senatorial by-election is one of several off-cycle elections taking place across Nigeria today.
Other states involved include Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo, where by-elections are being conducted for federal and state legislative seats.
Tensions have been heightened across Anambra due to concerns over voter inducement, ballot manipulation, and violence.
Civil society groups have called on INEC to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
For now, the fate of the intercepted ballots remains unclear, but opposition leaders are urging voters to remain calm and vigilant.
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