Anambra: Police arrest politician over printing of ballot papers

A  man said to be a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from Umudike Village in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Jude Okwudiba, was arrested yesterday by the police for allegedly printing ballot papers for the February 6 governorship election in Anambra State.


Okwudiba’s arrest, it was gathered,  was based on a trip-off by some members of the Action Congress (AC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when he was converting the National Identity cards to voters’ card.

According to sources, the suspect had already made 500 voters cards from the National Identity card data base and was found with downloaded 10,000 of such card data base with which he would produce more voters’ cards.

However, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh emphatically told THISDAY on telephone that the suspect is not known to him and is not a  member of his party.

“I don’t know the said Jude Okwudiba with the alleged offence reported. I can assure you he is not a member of APGA. APGA does not indulge in electoral malpractices. He must have been persuaded to claim membership of APGA by his sponsors to tarnish the image of our party. A thorough investigation will reveal his real identity,” Umeh said.

THISDAY gathered that kwudiba was arrested and takento the state CID Awka where he is helping the police in their investigations.                                                                     

Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of the State CID, Mr. Mike Okoli confirmed the arrest but declined to give details, saying investigation was ongoing.

National Chairman of the Party, Chief Victor Umeh neither picked a call from THISDAY nor responded to a text message.

The arrest  of Okwudiba was coming on the heels of a warning by the Inspector General of Police Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, that the police would not compromise its duties in the February 6 governorship election in Anambra State.

Addressing officers and men of the Anambra State Police Command, Onovo said a Deputy Inspector General of Police has been drafted to lead the security team during the election.

The IGP said any policeman found escorting a politician or candidate on the election day would be arrested and prosecuted.

He said only accredited police officers and men will operate on the day of election and pointed out that policemen not accredited for the election would not be allowed to participate.

Onovo announced that helicopters and special boats have been provided for areas that have been described as difficult terrains and that this was in a bid to ensure effective policing in the state.