Citypost News Desk
The Anambra Communities Traditional Title Holders Association has rejected the outcome of the recently concluded Anambra South senatorial bye-election and Onitsha North House of Assembly bye-election, describing the exercise as marred by irregularities, intimidation, and electoral sabotage.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, after a general assembly meeting, the association accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of announcing a result that does not reflect the will of the people. The association alleged widespread vote-buying, interference of non-state actors, and intimidation of voters during the exercise.
The group specifically condemned what it called the “anti-democratic conduct” of the Anambra State Deputy Governor in Osumenyi community during the senatorial bye-election. According to the communiqué, state security operatives under the controversial Operation Udo-ga-achi—already banned from election duty—were deployed to harass voters, journalists, and election observers, allegedly breaking cameras to conceal irregularities.
The association demanded an urgent apology from the Anambra State Government, particularly the Deputy Governor, to INEC, the Osumenyi community, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its governorship candidate, Chief Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma), for what it described as unlawful and unbecoming conduct during the polls.
It further called on INEC, the National Security Adviser, and relevant security agencies to investigate the alleged interference of non-state actors in the bye-elections to prevent a recurrence during the forthcoming November 8 governorship election in the state.
Dismissing claims that the outcome of the senatorial bye-election would influence the governorship race, the traditional title holders vowed to stand by their earlier endorsement of the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, stressing that the November 8 election would be determined by performance, vision, and trust, not “a compromised bye-election.”
The communiqué was jointly signed by Ichie Oba Okeke Nwobu, Ozo Nwaneka Maduka, Ozo Ndubeze Nridi, High Chief Paul Ike, Ozo (Dr.) Daniel Nwibeagu, Nze Emeka Odumodu, and Ozo (Chief) Augustine Nweke, the State Chairman and Convener of the association.
