Gunmen, suspected to be sponsored by the opposition, have attacked the residence of All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate for Enugu State House of Assembly, Aninri Constituency, Mrs Obiageli Onwe.
As neighbours and friends came to sympathise with her, she lamented that some political parties still use devious tactics to dissuade candidates from participating in elections.
The gunmen reportedly destroyed a vehicle, furniture, windows, doors and electronic appliances in the house.
Onwe, a lawyer, and the foremost candidate likely to win the race, has condemned the attack by the assailants, describing it as an act of desperation.
She said, “It was an unfortunate incident and I was shocked to the bone. I cannot understand the reason for the destruction. Many questions were on my mind when I heard the news. Were there casualties? What was destroyed? Is it now a crime to join politics or are my opponents so desperate that they would resort to the wanton destruction of property? I do not know.
“Fortunately, I visited the constituency, a day before the attack, for a meeting geared towards achieving peace and improving the welfare of Aninri people.”
Residents heard the disturbance on January 27, 2023, in the morning, and called law enforcement agencies in the local government area.
Sources believe that the attack came from members of an opposition party, who may be uncomfortable with Onwe’s soaring popularity ahead of the elections.
“Before I entered politics and joined APGA, I had been actively working on projects to improve communities and donating to the people of Aninri. This incident will not deter me from contesting in the 2023 elections. It will only spur me on to run the race to the finish line.
“Another reason I want to serve my people is to develop strategies and legislations that will enhance the local economy and provide proper security in the community. So, I call on security agencies to immediately intervene and investigate the attack on my residence in my constituency,” she added.
On the Electoral Act 2022, Onwe remarked, “Despite the amendments of the Electoral Act, if genuine and abundant resources are channelled properly to monitor the entire process, votes will surely count in this year’s general elections. However, we still have roles to play. I encourage everyone to get their Permanent Voter Cards and vote for candidates who have the character, competence, and capacity to lead.”