Tensions Flare in Anambra as APGA and APC Supporters Clash Over Billboards

Political tensions boiled over in Nri community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday as supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed over torn-down campaign billboards.

The clash, which turned violent, reportedly followed separate political events held by both parties in the area. While APGA supporters, led by a well-known legal practitioner, Ezeafia, were hosting their candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, APC’s running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, was also in town to rally support for Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC candidate.

Tensions reached a boiling point when APC supporters accused members of APGA of deliberately pulling down their party's campaign billboards. The situation quickly spiraled into a confrontation, prompting the Anambra State Police Command to step in and restore order.

According to the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, personally intervened by inviting all parties to a peace meeting. During the dialogue, both camps agreed to replace the damaged billboards, despite ongoing claims that the removal was due to unpaid signage fees.

"The Commissioner has urged all political actors to conduct themselves peacefully and within the law," Ikenga said. He also confirmed that the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s (SCID) Political Desk for further investigation.

As Anambra gears up for a hotly contested gubernatorial election, residents are calling for calm and maturity from political parties to prevent further violence and disruption in the state.