Some members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have alleged violence, intimidation, and political interference involving powerful figures within the state government during the primary elections for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate in Anambra State.
At the centre of the unfolding crisis are two operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit who are currently receiving treatment at Amaku Teaching Hospital after allegedly being attacked by security personnel attached to the Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
Family members of the injured operatives are reportedly praying for their recovery as both victims remain in critical condition.
The incident reportedly occurred at Ward 8 in Awka South Local Government Area during the conduct of the APGA primary election.
Eyewitnesses alleged that security personnel deployed to maintain order at the venue were assaulted by aides attached to the Deputy Governor following a confrontation linked to the electoral process.
According to findings, the Deputy Governor allegedly left his home ward in Mbaukwu and moved to Awka Ward 8 during the exercise.
The development has sparked criticism among party faithful, many of whom described the action as an attempt to influence the outcome of the primaries in favour of preferred aspirants.
Several party members condemned the alleged interference, insisting that it was improper for a senior government official to abandon his ward and participate in activities in another ward during such a sensitive exercise.
They argued that the move undermined internal party democracy and threatened the credibility of the electoral process.
Videos currently circulating online reportedly captured moments from the confrontation and the chaos that followed.
The allegations
There are allegation that the team leader of Udogachi in Awka South Local Government Area, Mr. Okonyia Kingsley, alongside another operative identified as Felix Numbi, were carrying out official duties when they arrested a suspect, Mr. Obayo, accused of attempting to manipulate the primary election in favour of certain aspirants.
Sources disclosed that the suspect was taken into custody and moved to the local government headquarters for safety and further investigation.
However, tensions reportedly escalated shortly afterwards when the Deputy Governor arrived at the venue with security operatives attached to him.
Witnesses claimed that the two Agunechemba operatives involved in the arrest were allegedly attacked during the confrontation.
Additional allegations suggested that mobile phones belonging to the operatives were destroyed by security aides attached to the Deputy Governor while the officers were carrying out their responsibilities.
Sources further alleged that Mr. Obayo was found with multiple voter cards at the time of his arrest. However, the alleged evidence was reportedly destroyed during the incident.
Investigations also indicated that the suspect had allegedly mobilised students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), many of whom reportedly lacked valid voter cards, to participate in the primary election before he was intercepted by security operatives.
Meanwhile, the injured officers remain hospitalised at Amaku Teaching Hospital. Sources close to the victims disclosed that Mr. Okonyia Kingsley sustained severe injuries and has reportedly been struggling to speak clearly due to the extent of the assault.
Speaking from hospital
Speaking from his hospital bed, one of the affected operatives alleged that security aides attached to the Deputy Governor disarmed them, confiscated their weapons, and ordered that they be beaten.
Further investigations by Insideoutnews also alleged that the Deputy Governor moved across several wards during the primary election in an attempt to influence voting patterns and secure victory for loyal aspirants.
One source, who spoke anonymously for fear of victimisation, alleged that the Deputy Governor attempted to manipulate the process in favour of selected candidates.
According to the source, the Agunechemba security outfit had been officially deployed by local government authorities to maintain peace during the primaries.
However, the source alleged that security aides attached to the Deputy Governor, alongside DSS operatives, participated in the assault on the operatives.
The incident has generated widespread concern within APGA and among residents of Anambra State. Critics argue that if the state leadership truly supports democratic values, the primary election process should have been conducted without intimidation, violence, or interference.
The controversy has also raised broader political questions regarding Governor Charles Soludo’s repeated promises of transparency, fairness, and credibility in APGA’s internal electoral process, as observers continue to demand accountability and an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding the primaries.
