Violence Rocks Anambra South By-Election as APC, APGA Trade Accusations

The Anambra South Senatorial by-election to replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was thrown into chaos on Saturday as incidents of violence and arrests were reported in parts of the district. The contest, which has been closely watched, turned tense in Ekwusigo and Nnewi local government areas following the alleged arrest of four polling agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Sir Azuka Okwuosa.

According to eyewitnesses, the polling agents were taken away by the chairman of Ekwusigo local government with the backing of a community leader in Ozubulu. The development sparked protests from local youths, who accused the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government of harassment and intimidation.

Former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Rita Maduagwu, also alleged that APGA supporters invaded her Ukpor ward, disrupting the process and attacking voters. Violence was further reported in Ward 4, Units 001, 003, and 008 in Ekwusigo, where APC agents were allegedly whisked away by government-linked operatives.

Security operatives were deployed to restore calm in the affected areas as fears of escalation spread across the constituency.

But APGA has denied all allegations. Its National Publicity Secretary, Ejiomofor Opara, insisted that neither party officials nor government operatives were involved in any form of violence, accusing the APC of fabricating claims to discredit the process..