By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The bye-elections held in Onitsha North 1 and Anambra South Senatorial district on Saturday were marred by late arrival of materials, apathy and vote buying as All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressive Party (YPP) and others battle for supremacy.
It was gathered that electoral officers and voting materials arrived most polling units between 10 and 12 noon respectively as against the initial voting time, while three major political parties, APGA, ADC and YPP engage one another with accusations and counter accusations of vote buying.
Some voters allegedly received N20,000, N10,000, N5000 to N3000 from representatives of some of the contestants in the bye-election at Onistha North 1, while electorates in Anambra South were paid from N5000 to N10,000 each.
The candidate of APGA for Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Barr. Ifeoma Azikiwe, who voted at about 9.30am, described the exercise as peaceful assuring that she was hopeful of victory.
Speaking after casting his vote at polling unit 002 (Ofiyi Square), Isuofia, Aguata LGA, Anambra State, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo accused the APC Governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of beating up the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu with thugs in Ezinifite, Nnewi South LGA where they hail from.
The governor, described the incident as unfortunate wondering why someone would leave his polling unit to other people’s polling unit to stop the will of the people from prevailing.
“I have just fulfilled my civic duty by casting my vote at my polling unit in Ofuiyi 002, Isuofia, for today’s Anambra South Senatorial by-election.
“I commend INEC, and all stakeholders for their ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth and peaceful process as the election unfolds,” he added.
