Suspected thugs disrupt APC guber primary in Anambra

Violence reportedly broke out on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Anambra state, with security operatives accused of colluding with suspected thugs to disrupt the process.

The exercise is taking place at the Beautiful Gate Hotel in Awka, the Anambra state capital.

The crisis was said to have started at about 10:37 am when suspected thugs allegedly linked to one of the aspirants, alongside some police officers, blocked access to the accreditation venue. Only a few individuals with branded shirts of the aspirant were reportedly allowed to go inside the premises.

According to multiple accounts, delegates not aligned with the aspirant were turned back, harassed, and, in some cases, physically assaulted, while security personnel stood by.

Valentine Oliobi, the APC publicity secretary in Anambra, confirmed the development in a brief chat with journalists.

“Yes, it is true. Delegates are being stopped at the gate by Nicholas Ukachukwu’s people, and the police are cooperating with them. It is not what the party stands for,” he said.

The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation condemned the disruption, describing it as a deliberate attempt to hijack the process.

Ephraim Adiele, the Ozigbo campaign spokesperson, decried what he called an attempt to “hijack the primary” through intimidation and force.

“We reject the politics of violence and call for a level playing field,” Adiele said.

“Clearly, Nicholas Ukachukwu is seeking to hijack the primary. It cannot stand. The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should act now to prevent crisis.”

Two aspirants withdrew from the primary election hours before the exercise.

Chukwuma Umeoji, a former member of the house of representatives, announced his withdrawal on Friday, citing consultations with his supporters across the state.

Paul Chukwuma withdrew from the exercise and resigned from the party.

Ukachukwu, Ozigbo, Obiora Okonkwo, Johnbosco Onunkwo, and Edozie Madu are still in the race.