Suspected thugs, allegedly in collusion with security operatives, disrupted APC governorship primary in Anambra State on Saturday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the primary was held at Beautiful Gate Hotel in Awka, the state capital.
According to reports; the violent incident began around 10:37 am when suspected thugs believed to be associated with one of the aspirants, alongside some police officers, blocked access to the accreditation venue.
According to reports; those allowed to into the premises were people wearing branded shirts of the aspirant.
Delegates not aligned with the aspirant were turned away, harassed, and in some cases, physically assaulted, while security personnel appeared to stand by.
Valentine Oliobi, the APC publicity secretary in Anambra, confirmed the incident in a brief chat with journalists.
He said, “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,”
The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation described the incident as a deliberate attempt to hijack the process.
Ephraim Adiele, the Ozigbo campaign spokesperson, also said it was an attempt to hijack the primary through intimidation and force.
He said, “We reject the politics of violence and call for a level playing field.”
“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.”
