Tension was ignited in the Nri community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Monday, when some people suspected to be loyal to a political party were caught vandalising campaign materials belonging to the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, including those of the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.
The incident, which occurred across some parts of the community, has been widely condemned by locals, who described it as an act of desperation and political intolerance, as the tension triggered by the development caused chaos before the intervention of some youths in the community.
According to some eyewitnesses, the loyalists were seen tearing down and defacing banners and billboards bearing the images of the APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Ekwunife.
One of the suspects apprehended by Nri youths, who identified himself as Timothy from Aguata, confessed that he and others were hired the previous night to destroy campaign materials of the APC and its candidates.
Youths from the various villages that make up the Nri Kingdom quickly mobilised to resist the attack, apprehending some of the perpetrators and handing them over to local authorities.
In solidarity, they marched in groups to the residence of the deputy governorship candidate, which later turned out to be a major rally and additional reaffirmation of endorsement in favour of the APC candidates.
That was when they made it clear that they would not condone any attempt to intimidate or tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Senator Uche Ekwunife.
One of the youth leaders said, “We are not going to tolerate any form of political intimidation, especially against Senator Ekwunife, whom we know as a consistent advocate for community development.
“She is not just our daughter-in-law; she is a beacon of progress for Nri. From human capital development to infrastructure, her contributions speak volumes.
“Many locals believe the attack stems from gender-based bias, suggesting that Senator Ekwunife is being targeted not only for her influence, but also for being a strong female voice in the race.
“Why target Ekwunife instead of Prince Ukachukwu? Is it because she is a woman? This level of political harassment is dangerous for our democracy,” a youth leader queried.
The people of Nri have reaffirmed their endorsement of the Ukachukwu-Ekwunife ticket ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election, vowing to resist any form of political suppression.
