What began as parallel campaign rallies by rival political parties in the Nri community of Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Friday ended in chaos as supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed violently over the alleged removal of campaign billboards.
The clash occurred shortly after separate political events were held in the area, APGA’s rally was headlined by the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and supported by his legal adviser Ezeafia, while the APC event featured Senator Uche Ekwunife, running mate to APC flag bearer Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
Trouble reportedly erupted when APC loyalists accused their APGA counterparts of pulling down three of their party's campaign billboards, an act they considered provocative and deliberate. The situation escalated from a verbal altercation to a full-blown fracas, prompting the urgent intervention of security operatives.
Confirming the incident, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, stated that Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, responded swiftly by convening a peace meeting with representatives of both political parties.
“The Anambra State Police Command swiftly intervened and restored calm following a report of a political squabble at Nri during campaign rallies,” Ikenga said.
He also clarified that there were claims the billboards were removed due to unpaid signage fees, although this remains under investigation. Following the peace talks, both parties reportedly agreed to replace the damaged billboards and de-escalate further tensions.
To ensure neutrality and deeper investigation, CP Orutugu directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Political Desk to take over the matter. He also issued a strong warning to all political actors to conduct their campaigns within the bounds of the law and in a peaceful manner.
The Anambra State Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order as the election season intensifies, urging citizens to report any suspicious or inciting activities.
