(DDM) – Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, of leading violent disruptions during Saturday’s by-election in Nnewi.
DDM gathered that the governor made the allegation shortly after casting his vote, stressing that the incident was disturbing but not surprising.
According to Soludo, Ukachukwu allegedly attacked the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, using political thugs at Ezinifite, in Nnewi South Local Government Area.
The commissioner, the governor explained, was left visibly shaken and in tears after narrating how he was harassed by APC loyalists.
Soludo claimed the violence extended beyond Odimegwu, as voters across multiple polling units were also harassed.
He alleged that the APC candidate moved around with a convoy of police officers and political thugs, intimidating citizens and disrupting the voting process.
“This is shocking but unfortunately not unexpected,” Soludo said.
“That’s what desperation looks like. From what I hear, they’re even losing in his own ward.”
The governor condemned the actions as a display of political desperation that undermines democracy and threatens peace in the state.
Residents in Nnewi reported interruptions in voting, with some polling units forced to halt accreditation due to the alleged disruption.
Many voters who came out early were unsettled by the violence and feared further intimidation as the exercise continued.
Election observers also raised concerns, warning that the credibility of the by-election could be damaged if the situation persisted.
Governor Soludo, however, maintained that security agencies were making efforts to restore order and ensure that voting continued.
He insisted that intimidation would not overturn the will of the people who were determined to exercise their democratic rights.
“Violence cannot decide elections,” the governor declared.
“The people’s voices must be allowed to prevail.”
He urged voters to remain calm and not allow the disruptions to discourage them from completing the electoral process.
Community members called for greater security presence in volatile polling units, stressing that political actors must prioritize peace.
Some residents described the incident as proof that Nigeria’s political culture still struggles with violence and vote manipulation.
Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that democracy thrives in Anambra.
He called on relevant authorities to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
He stressed that elections must never be marred by violence, intimidation, or desperation.
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