NANKA, NIGERIA — Tensions in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, flared up on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as the campaign team of Dr. Odiraa Nwankwor, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, alleged a deliberate attempt to block and physically intimidate the candidate during a local cultural festival.
The incident occurred at the Iwa Ji Enugu Nanka (New Yam) festival venue. According to statements from the Dr. Odiraa Nwankwor Campaign Organization, a group of individuals attempted to forcibly prevent Dr. Nwankwor and his entourage from accessing the gathering. The campaign alleged that the group operated under the direction of supporters loyal to Chief Okwudiri Ezenwankwo (Ewepudike), the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) candidate for the same seat.
Shadow of Unresolved Political Deaths
The confrontation at the festival grounds comes against a backdrop of security concerns and historical political violence in Nanka. Community members continue to point to past unresolved killings, including the murder of former Anambra State Commissioner Chief C. C. Okoli, who was killed by unknown assailants.
Similarly, the death of Chief Joe Mohale—a prominent political leader within the Young Progressives Party (YPP) who campaigned actively against Ewepudike during previous legislative contests on behalf of Hon. Chinwe Nnabuife—remains an unsolved case. In both instances, the perpetrators were never apprehended or brought to justice.
Youth Leader Named in Alleged Blockade
In its official release, the APGA campaign specifically identified an individual known as “Agbatty,” described as the Youth Leader of Enugu Nanka, as the primary coordinator of the blockade. The campaign alleged that “Agbatty” mobilized the group and coordinated directly with representatives from Ewepudike’s camp.
Characterizing the encounter as a threat to Dr. Nwankwor’s safety and an effort to disrupt a traditional community event for political leverage, the campaign called on security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leadership to investigate the incident.
Demands for Security and Peaceful Engagement
The Dr. Odiraa Nwankwor Campaign Organization outlined key demands to regional authorities:
- Investigation: Urged the Anambra State Police Command and the traditional stool of Nanka to investigate “Agbatty” and all individuals involved in the confrontation.
- Candidate Protection: Demanded guarantees for the unhindered movement and physical safety of all political candidates and their supporters throughout the campaign period.
- Rejection of Violence: Called on political actors across all parties to avoid intimidation and commit to peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the poll.
As of press time, neither Chief Okwudiri Ezenwankwo nor the Anambra State Police Command have issued formal responses to the claims made by the APGA media team.
