The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just-concluded Anambra State governorship election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has rejected the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC declaring Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winner of the election.
According to him, the exercise was fraught with irregularities, intimidation, and large-scale vote buying.
Addressing journalists in Awka, following the announcement by the INEC, Ukachukwu said the election outcome did not represent the true will of Anambra people.
He accused APGA of using the power of incumbency and financial inducement to influence voters, noting that the APC would have emerged victorious if not for the widespread manipulation and intimidation witnessed across several polling units.
“Anambra people voted massively for me because they are tired of the incumbent. You would have seen more if not that they engaged in vote buying and intimidation. They came with the power of incumbency and money to suppress the people’s will,” Prince Ukachukwu stated.
Prince Ukachukwu condemned the conduct of the ruling party, describing it as ‘a tragic setback for democracy in Anambra,’ and called for a comprehensive review of the electoral process to ensure fairness and credibility in future elections.
The APC candidate expressed deep concern over the level of violence allegedly unleashed on his supporters during and after the polls, narrating how one of his female supporters in Anambra East Local Government Area had her house burnt for mobilising voters and defending the party’s mandate at the collation centre.
“That woman’s only offence was that she believed in our vision for a new Anambra. They burnt down her home because she stood her ground for the APC. The intimidation was massive, but our supporters remained courageous,” he lamented.
Ukachukwu further said that his polling agents were harassed, abducted, and denied access to several collation centres, adding that one of his supporters, who was assigned to pay party agents, was arrested and falsely accused of vote buying.
“They arrested my supporter who was to pay our agents, accusing him of carrying money meant for vote buying. How can I, who is not a sitting governor, buy votes against someone who controls the state treasury?” he queried.
The APC standard-bearer described his 99,445 votes as “genuine and hard-earned,” noting that the result proved the increasing popularity of the APC in Anambra State.
He thanked his supporters, campaign team, and party members for their courage despite intimidation, harassment, and loss of property. He commended his running mate, whom he said was forced to flee after being threatened by thugs loyal to the ruling party.
Prince Ukachukwu emphasised that he was still consulting with his party, supporters, and agents before making a final decision on whether to challenge the election result at the tribunal.
