LG Mayor, AVG Brutalize Journalists, Terrorize Voters in Anambra Bye Elections as Eye Witness Recount Violence, Vote-buying, and Media Blackmail (See details)

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint), Nnewi

The recently concluded Anambra bye-elections, which saw the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) sweep majority votes, were marred by shocking violence, intimidation, and manipulation, casting a dark shadow over the credibility of the process.

In the build-up to the polls, tension escalated between the APC candidate, Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu (popularly known as Ikukuoma), and Deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim. During campaign tours in Osumenyi, the two camps exchanged heated words, sparking rumors of physical clashes. However, insiders maintain that no such violence occurred before election day.

Eyewitnesses reported that voting day was riddled with massive inducement schemes, especially in Awor Town Hall, Ezinifite, and across polling units in Utuh and Osumenyi. Voters were allegedly offered up to ₦10,000 each to cast their ballots in favor of APGA.

Residents claimed they were coerced by government officials and local security operatives to either vote for the ruling party or vacate the polling stations. This intimidation reportedly led to altercations among youths and loyalists of both APGA and APC.

While some journalists, such as award-winning reporter Izunna Okafor, described the election as a “massive win for APGA despite bullies,” other outlets painted a different picture. Pechilly Investigative Media ran the headline: “Ikukuoma and Thugs Attack Voters.”

Observers, however, argue that these narratives were politically motivated, pointing out that these two journalists are allegedly on the payroll of the Deputy Governor. This explains why reports of vote-buying and intimidation were downplayed or redirected against the opposition.

A viral video that circulated online showing Ikukuoma allegedly assaulting a state commissioner was also dismissed by eyewitnesses as “doctored” and designed to tarnish his image. Many noted the irony that the same commissioner once began his political journey being a local government council chairman under Ukachukwu’s sponsorship years ago.

The most terrifying incident of the election came after the polls closed. Journalists from TVC, NTA, The Guardian, Prolific Star Media, Strek Magazine, DBS, Touch TV, and independent bloggers had followed Ikukuoma to get his reaction to the exercise.

Suddenly, they were ambushed by the Mayor of Nnewi South, Mr. Chinedu Ezeogidi, who stormed the scene with over 100 members of the dreaded local security outfit, Agunechaemba (AVG) and Udo Ga Chi.

The journalists and their drivers were beaten with fists, gun butts, and machetes. Vehicles carrying media crews were smashed, forcefully reversed, and ordered to retreat toward Ukpor secretariat in the late afternoon.

“This was no election, it was war. The atmosphere felt like the Biafran conflict all over again,” one traumatized journalist recounted.

Relief came only when Ikukuoma himself intervened, pleading with the armed squad to release the press and their vehicles. After tense negotiations, the troop’s commandant, nicknamed 82, grudgingly allowed the convoy to leave.

In Onitsha North, journalists also observed rampant vote-buying in Okosa wards. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mrs. Justina Azuka (widow of late Justice Azuka) publicly condemned the elections as “massively compromised,” citing inducements and manipulation in favor of APGA.

From intimidation of voters to the brutalization of journalists, the Anambra bye-elections exposed how democracy has been hijacked by violence and fear. The events raises urgent questions: If journalists can be beaten in broad daylight, how safe are ordinary voters? And if votes are openly bought, what then is the value of democracy in Anambra State?

This report is not designed to deface or paint any candidate or party but to set the record straight: the bye-elections were far from free, fair, or credible. They instead revealed a desperate do-or-die brand of politics that threatens the very soul of the Anambra state democracy under the Prof. Soludo administration.

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