Anambra community leadership dispute sparks crisis in Abacha

The Abacha community in Idemili South, Anambra State, is experiencing a leadership crisis following a contested election for the position of Town Union President-General. The conflict centers on a power-sharing dispute between two blocs: Akanator and Umudisi.

Members of the Akanator bloc, representing four of the community’s seven villages, boycotted the election held at the community civic centre. Protesters accused the Umudisi bloc of attempting to monopolize leadership roles, noting that Umudisi already holds the positions of traditional ruler, Igwe Godwin Nwabunwanne Odiegwu, and the Onowu (traditional Prime Minister). Leaders of the Akanator protest, including Chief Jonas Okafor, characterized the move as a betrayal of previous stakeholder agreements and an act of marginalization.

Reports indicate the election was conducted using the option A4 method, which protesters claim violates the town union constitution. The election took place while a petition from the Akanator quarter remains pending at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Local authorities and representatives from the Ministry urged the establishment of a peace committee to resolve the tension, while the Anambra Police Command and the Agunechemba Security Squad intervened to prevent the protest from escalating into further violence.