Tensions flared in Nri, a community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Monday, after individuals suspected to be affiliated with a rival political group were caught vandalising campaign posters belonging to All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
The materials targeted included those of the party’s governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.
The incident, which unfolded in various parts of the community, drew sharp condemnation from residents, many of whom described it as politically motivated and intolerant.
Eyewitnesses reported that the individuals were seen pulling down banners and defacing billboards with images of the APC candidates.
Some of the suspects were confronted and detained by youths in the area, who later handed them over to local authorities.
One of the apprehended individuals, who identified himself as Timothy from Aguata, allegedly confessed that he and others had been paid the previous night to destroy APC campaign materials.
In response, youths from different quarters of the Nri Kingdom quickly mobilised and rallied at the residence of Senator Ekwunife.
The gathering evolved into a public demonstration of support for the APC ticket, as participants voiced their opposition to political intimidation.
A local youth leader stated, “We will not tolerate any form of political intimidation, especially not against Senator Ekwunife. She’s not just our daughter-in-law, but a figure of development in this community.”
He praised the senator’s contributions in infrastructure and human capital development, and suggested that the attack may have been rooted in gender bias.
“Why target Ekwunife instead of Prince Ukachukwu? Is it because she is a woman? This kind of harassment is harmful to our democracy,” he added.
The people of Nri reaffirmed their support for the Ukachukwu-Ekwunife ticket ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election, stating their readiness to resist any further acts of political aggression or suppression.
