By Praise Chinecherem
Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has accused All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu of attacking his Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, through political thugs in Nnewi.
Soludo who made the allegation while speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote described the incident as disturbing, but not surprising.
According to him, the incident which occurred in Ezinifite, Nnewi South LGA was one of the field reports he received on the ongoing by-election.
He said, “Just in the last few minutes, I got a terrible report from Nnewi South. It’s disturbing, but not surprising.
” When some people realize they are losing, they resort to violence to disrupt the electoral process.
“My Commissioner was in tears, saying that the APC governorship candidate led a truckload of police officers and thugs.
“He was moving from one polling unit to another, attacking voters—including the Commissioner himself.
“It’s shocking, but unfortunately not unexpected. That’s what desperation looks like. From what I hear, they’re even losing in his own ward.
“All we are asking is that people be allowed to vote and let their votes count.
“We’re confident that in the end, the will of the people will prevail.”
The Governor also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the smooth conduct of the by-election across the state.
“So far, the process has been seamless. From the reports I’ve received across Anambra South and Onitsha, it has been relatively peaceful.
“I’m impressed by the voter turnout and the commitment of citizens to perform their civic duties. This is democracy in action.”