The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State has condemned an alleged attack on its House of Representatives candidate for Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ifebi, and some party supporters, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident.
The party alleged that suspected thugs armed with dangerous weapons attacked a meeting organised by Ifebi for party members and supporters in Obosi on Tuesday evening.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ADC State Publicity Secretary and Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Comrade Linus Anagboso, said the attackers disrupted the gathering and assaulted party members.
Anagboso further alleged that the assailants vandalised a campaign vehicle belonging to Ifebi and dispossessed party members and supporters of their valuables and empowerment items distributed at the event.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, the party said political competition should be based on ideas, character and service rather than intimidation, violence and destruction of property.
The ADC called on security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation, identify those responsible for the alleged attack and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Political competition must be defined by ideas, character, and service to the people—not intimidation, violence, or destruction of property,” the statement read.
The party also appealed to political stakeholders and supporters across Anambra State to remain calm, reject retaliation and respect the rights of citizens to participate freely in the democratic process.
“Political differences must never become grounds for violence. Our democracy must be protected, and the law must prevail,” Anagboso stated.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the incident had been reported to the command.
Ikenga, however, disclosed that the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, had intervened in the matter, as the dispute reportedly involved two individuals aligned with different political camps.
“The incident was reported to the police command, but the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, has waded into the matter because it involves two brothers who are in different political camps.
“As I am speaking to you now, the two camps are in the palace of the traditional ruler in Obosi holding a meeting with the traditional ruler. So, the command has decided to wait for the outcome of the intervention of the Igwe,” Ikenga told DAILY GAZETTE.
The police spokesperson’s account indicates that the parties were meeting at the traditional ruler’s palace following the report, while the command awaited the outcome of the intervention.
The ADC has nevertheless called for an impartial investigation into the alleged attack and urged political actors to resolve their differences peacefully.
