By Karen James
Tensions flared during the Anambra State local council election on September 28, 2024, as irregularities were reported in Ayamelum Local Government Area. The election was abruptly halted by Mr. Ezeanaekwe Chidi Mark, an Electoral Officer with the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). Surrounded by security forces, including the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO), the Department of State Services (DSS), soldiers, and members of the central vigilante group, Mr. Mark cited orders from his commission to abort the ongoing electoral process due to alleged malpractice.
According to reports, Mr. Mark revealed that the entire set of election result sheets for Ayamelum LGA had been sold to the highest bidder, prompting the cancellation of the election. This triggered outrage among local youths, who accused the electoral officer of corruption and demanded accountability. The situation escalated when the youths, equipped with video evidence, confronted Mr. Mark, who admitted to handing over the result sheets to Mr. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike, a teacher Amikwe Primary School and a resident of Akanator village, Omor.
The crowd’s anger quickly turned to violence, with the youths attempting to lynch the electoral officer. However, the swift intervention of Hon. Bernard Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, helped de-escalate the situation. Hon. Udemezue’s arrival at the council headquarters prevented the mob from taking matters into their own hands, saving Mr. Mark from potential harm.
Despite the presence of security personnel, the youths refused to release the detained electoral officer, citing distrust in the authorities. They alleged collusion between Mr. Mark and the security officials stationed at the local government headquarters. As of now, the situation remains tense, with local authorities working to restore order and address the growing concerns surrounding the integrity of the election in Ayamelum LGA.
This incident has raised further questions about the credibility of the Anambra State local council election, as similar reports of irregularities have emerged from other areas, putting the overall transparency of the process under scrutiny.
