Ekwunife, APGA Chairman Trade Words Over Disruption Of Voting

The APC deputy governorship candidate in Anambra State, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, has accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of masterminding the tension that erupted in Nri, Anaocha local government area of the state during yesterday’s election.

Ekwunife, at a media parley in Nri, said the ‘unprovoked tension’ at Ward 1, Polling Units 001, 002 and 003 was caused by some thugs allegedly hired by APGA with intension to disrupt the voting process in her voting centre.

She, however, commended the timely intervention of Nri youths and the professionalism of the security operatives on the ground in ensuring that the will of the people prevailed.

Ekwunife said the swift action restored calm and allowed voting to resume after a brief suspension of the process.

She also alleged widespread vote buying during the election period across several polling units in the area, saying that this signified premature level of some politicians vying to lead the people.

“Why the use of political inducement to sway voters to one side? If you are sure of serving the basic needs of the people, the results will speak for itself.

“Representatives of some major political parties were seen openly giving money to voters in exchange for their vote support. This is an eyesore.

“There is an urgent need for my colleagues and the relevant authorities to take more drastic action against vote buying in Nigeria.

“If this menace is not checked, it will become almost impossible for competent and capable individuals to emerge as leaders and serve their people effectively,” she said.

Ekwunife’s claims were, however, countered by the APGA chairman in Anaocha local government area, Chief Anthony Ugorji.

Ugorji, in a swift reaction to the allegations, said APGA did not send any group or individual to disrupt the election process in the area, although confirmed the attack.

He said he was not an eyewitness of the disruption but that a report was sent to him.

He said the situation was brought under control for the process to continue, adding that everything eventually ended on a smooth note.