Don't compromise Anambra South, Onitsha North 1 bye-elections, ADC warns security

By Okechukwu Onuegbu 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Friday, warned against deployment of political thugs or security on electorates exercising their franchise at bye-elections holding in Anambra South Senatorial zone and Onitsha North 1 Constituency.

ADC gave the warning at a media chat addressed by the retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Celestine Okoye, who is the Deputy Director of Security for the 2025 governorship candidate of the party, Mr John Nwosu.

Okoye, who observed that electoral violence is against the extant laws of the land, equity and natural justice, explained that it could even lead to voters apathy and emergence of unpopular candidates thereby impacting negatively on the society.

According to him, good leadership would emerge from a free, fair and credible poll and empower distinguished professionals and honest people to impact positively on the society through security of lives, infrastructural development and others.

"Violence must stop. The security personnel deployed for tomorrow's bye-elections must do that within the ambit of the law. They must not be compromised or allow anyone to use them to compromise the system. The security men and electoral umpire should shun collection of stipends from anyone or political party.

"They should maintain their integrities. These bye-elections will serve as litmus tests for the forthcoming governorship election. It will prove to the people what will likely happen on November 8 governorship poll. So, the INEC and security must play according to the rule," he added.

He said that his party is actively participating in the bye-elections with qualified candidates capable of impacting positively on the society through quality representation, legislations and supervision if elected.

Barrister Chidi Donald Amamgbo is the party's Senatorial candidate for Anambra South while Mrs Justina Azuka is the flag bearer for Onitsha North 1 bye-election holding on Saturday, August 16, 2025.