My commissioner assaulted by thugs during Anambra by-election, says Soludo

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, has alleged that Felix Odimegwu, the state’s commissioner for environment, was assaulted by suspected political thugs during the senatorial by-election.

NAN reports that Soludo spoke on Saturday after casting his ballot at polling unit 002, Ofiyi Square, Isuofia ward in Aguata LGA.

The governor said he got a field report that Odimegwu was attacked at Ezinifite in Nnewi south.

“Just in the last few minutes, I got a terrible report from Nnewi South,” he said.

“The news is not palatable but predictable because when you see you are losing, you begin to unleash violence to disrupt the electoral process.

“My commissioner was in pains and crying that the APC governorship candidate in Anambra took truckload of police and thugs and was going from one polling unit to another beating up people, including the commissioner.

“That is shocking but not unexpected. That is what you do when you are desperate. I understand they are losing even in his ward.

“Let the people vote and let their vote count. That is what we are asking. But we are confident that at the end of the day, the people’s will must prevail.”

The governor commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the election.

“I’m glad that so far, the process has been seamless,” he said.

“From reports I have gotten from around the state – Anambra South and Onitsha – it has been relatively peaceful.

“I’m impressed that people came out to exercise their civic duties of voting for candidates of their choice. This is democracy in action.”

The bye-election followed the death of Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra south in the senate until July 2024.

Meanwhile, counting of ballots has begun in some polling units.