YPP Boycotts Anambra East Council Poll Over Alleged Violence

By Olisemeka Sony

What was expected to be a routine local government election in Anambra East reportedly descended into tension and controversy as allegations of gunshots, intimidation and violence triggered the withdrawal of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) from the exercise.

The YPP announced its boycott of the Anambra State local government election in Anambra East Local Government Area, alleging widespread electoral irregularities, intimidation and attacks on its agents, supporters and voters.

However, the allegations have been strongly denied by both the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Anambra State Police Command, with the police insisting that there was no shooting at the election venue and that the exercise proceeded peacefully.

YPP Alleges Gunshots, Intimidation

The YPP Local Government Collation Agent, Charles Ifediora, alleged that members and agents of the party were prevented from carrying out their electoral duties after arriving at designated locations for the election.

According to him, tension escalated around the Anambra East Local Government Secretariat in Otuocha shortly before the distribution of electoral materials.

Ifediora alleged that gunshots were fired in the area, throwing party members and residents into panic.

He claimed the situation disrupted the participation of YPP agents and supporters in the election and contributed to the party’s decision to boycott the exercise.

The party further alleged that a female member was shot during the incident and rushed to hospital for medical attention.

The claim, however, could not immediately be independently verified.

Eyewitness Confirms Shooting Incident, Says No Major Casualties

An eyewitness, Uche Akaniro, said there was a shooting incident around the area, although he maintained that there were no major casualties.

According to him, the incident caused panic as people fled for safety.

He said police officers later moved into the area, cordoned off the location and restored calm.

Akaniro added that some people reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to escape from the area.

“There was panic after the shooting incident, and people started running in different directions,” the eyewitness reportedly said.

He noted, however, that he was not aware of any major loss of life from the incident.

APGA Dismisses YPP’s Claims

Reacting to the development, the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance rejected the allegations by the YPP, describing them as baseless.

APGA Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, suggested that the YPP’s withdrawal from the election was politically motivated.

According to him, the opposition party may have chosen to boycott the exercise because it realised it had little chance of winning in the area.

“Their claims are baseless,” Opara said, dismissing allegations that violence and intimidation forced the YPP out of the election.

The APGA spokesman maintained that the allegations were an attempt to justify the party’s decision to withdraw from the contest.

Police Deny Shooting, Insist Election Was Peaceful

The Anambra State Police Command also denied reports that gunshots were fired at the election venue.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said there was no shooting in the area and insisted that the election proceeded peacefully.

“There was no gunshot in the area,” Ikenga said.

The police spokesperson maintained that security operatives were on the ground to ensure peace and order throughout the exercise.

Conflicting Accounts Deepen Controversy

The development has left sharply conflicting accounts surrounding events in Anambra East.

While the YPP alleged that its members and supporters were intimidated and attacked, including claims that a female member was shot, APGA dismissed the allegations as an excuse for the party’s withdrawal.

The police, meanwhile, denied that any shooting took place.

The contrasting accounts have heightened political tension around the election, particularly as questions continue to arise over what exactly happened around the Anambra East Local Government Secretariat in Otuocha before electoral materials were distributed.

The YPP’s boycott means the party will not participate in an election it claims was compromised by alleged violence and irregularities.

As of the time of filing this report, the police maintained that the situation in the area was peaceful and under control.

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