APGA Ogbaru Primaries Rocked by Chaos, Voting Collapse in Several Wards
By Calista Udogwu
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ward primaries held in Ogbaru Local Government Area on May 23 were reportedly marred by allegations of irregularities, manipulation, and widespread disruptions, with voting said to have failed in several wards.
In Atani Ward 2, an anonymous source alleged that the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Somtoo Udeze, directed voters to queue and be counted in the absence of other contestants before declaring himself the winner.
The source further claimed that Udeze allocated figures to other aspirants without conducting an actual ballot.
It was also alleged that he described some aspirants as “outsiders” who were not qualified to contest in Ogbaru. As of press time, Udeze had not publicly responded to the allegations.
In Okpoko Ward 4, voters alleged that the process initially progressed smoothly in favour of House of Representatives member, Dr. Chris Nwokedi, before it was disrupted by groups allegedly loyal to former Senator Stella Oduah and former Ogbaru House of Representatives member, Chukwuka Onyema.
A voter, Mrs. Maria Udezue, alleged that the disruption forced voters to flee the venue.
There were also claims that the incumbent member representing Ogbaru 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly and aspirant, Hon. Noble Igwe, distributed unofficial accreditation cards outside those recognised by party officials.
Residents said similar incidents were recorded in other Okpoko wards, preventing the primaries from holding as scheduled.
Primaries were expected to be conducted for Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly positions.
However, reports indicated that voting was either disrupted or did not take place in several affected wards.
The APGA leadership has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incidents in Ogbaru. The party had earlier directed that primaries across the state be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
