Despite initial assurances of fairness from security agencies and media reports affirming the legitimacy of the Urum Town Union’s President-General election held on December 30th, 2023, the Anambra State Government has invalidated the poll. Conflicting accounts emerged from the Electoral Committee established by the government, security agencies including the DSS and the Nigerian Police, as well as media outlets that monitored the election. While these reports initially indicated a conclusive election with a declared winner, allegations surfaced that the election’s runner-up colluded with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunnwanne, to annul the results nearly three months later.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that only two positions were contested: President-General and Vice President-General. Other positions had single candidates who were submitted unopposed prior to the commencement of the election process for the contested roles. The election for the President-General of the Urum Community proceeded peacefully, with Sir Felix Godwin declared the winner. However, chaos erupted when supporters of Mr. Chinedu Nduka, the runner-up, instigated violence, resulting in injuries, property damage, including damage to the home of the elected President-General, Sir Felix, and further harm to Urum citizens, in violation of the December 2023 Peace Accord between candidates.
Nwabunnwanne announced the cancellation last Friday night to the Immediate Past President-General of the community, Ambassador Aloysius Tabansi. Tabansi accused him of endorsing discord and strife in Urum, asserting that the cancellation confirmed Nwabunnwanne’s involvement in fomenting crisis in the community by collaborating with Hon Chinedu Nduka.