By Karen James
On Saturday, September 28th, 2024, Mr. Chinedu Ofoegbu of the Accord Party emerged victorious in the Ward 11 councilor election in Onitsha, Anambra State, securing 388 votes to defeat his closest rival from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who garnered 215 votes. However, what was initially a peaceful election turned chaotic when hoodlums, allegedly accompanied by officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) and police, stormed various polling units in the ward, seizing ballot boxes and assaulting Mr. Ofoegbu.
Eyewitnesses reported that the violence erupted after it became clear that Mr. Ofoegbu was on course to win the election. The hoodlums, allegedly working for APGA stakeholders, disrupted the process, forcefully taking away ballot boxes and brutally beating the Accord Party candidate, leaving him seriously injured.
The Pechilly Investigative Media has been probing the election and has gathered evidence, including videos showing the aftermath of the violence that unfolded at the polling centers. Many in the community are expressing outrage over what they see as an orchestrated attack on democracy.
“This is not what we expect from APGA, a party that should set an example of integrity and transparency in the state,” said one eyewitness who requested anonymity. “The innocent man, Mr. Chinedu Ofoegbu, won the election fair and square, but his victory was hijacked by thugs acting under the influence of APGA.”
Despite the allegations, the election is being viewed as a credit to the leadership of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. However, many fear that the actions of a few could tarnish the governor’s image and his efforts to uphold democracy in the state.
Supporters of Mr. Ofoegbu are calling on the state government to restore his mandate, urging APGA and its stakeholders to respect the will of the people. “We cannot allow this to stand. This is not Tinubu’s APC; this is APGA, and they are supposed to set good examples for the state,” added another eyewitness.
