Youths in Nri, Anaocha LGA of Anambra State, have apprehended suspected political thugs said to be loyal to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), after they were caught destroying campaign materials belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The materials, which included banners and posters of APC leaders like President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governorship candidate Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, were reportedly vandalized across different areas of the community on Thursday.
Eyewitnesses say the thugs were tearing down and defacing the posters before local youths intervened. Some of the suspects were captured and handed over to the authorities.
Following the incident, Nri youths gathered at Senator Ekwunife’s residence in a show of support, which turned into a spontaneous rally endorsing the APC ticket. They condemned the attacks and warned against any further intimidation or defamation of Senator Ekwunife.
“We won’t tolerate political intimidation, especially not against Senator Ekwunife,” one local said. “She’s not only our daughter-in-law but someone who has worked hard for Nri’s development.”
Some residents believe Ekwunife is being targeted not just for her political influence but also because she is a woman.
“Why go after her and not the male candidate, Prince Ukachukwu? Is it because she’s a woman?” a youth leader asked. “This kind of harassment is a threat to democracy.”
The community reaffirmed its full support for the Ukachukwu-Ekwunife ticket ahead of the November gubernatorial elections, pledging to stand firm against any attempts at political suppression.
