Army clarifies viral video of confrontation with Anambra deputy governor
By: Abudu Olalekan
The Nigerian Army sets the record straight on a tense clash caught on camera between soldiers and Anambra’s deputy governor during elections. Dive into the full story of what really went down in Awka.
It was one of those election nights that spirals into chaos before you even blink. Picture this: Saturday’s governorship polls in Awka, Anambra State. Tensions high, votes hanging in the balance. Then, bam—a video explodes on social media. Soldiers facing off with the deputy governor himself, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim. Folks online were buzzing. What the heck were troops doing there? Were they messing with the ballots?
The clip shows Dr. Ibezim, all fired up, grilling the soldiers right at Ukwu Oji Umubele in Awka Ward 5. “Who sent you?” he’s asking. “You supposed to be here during elections?” A voice in the background chimes in, wild claims flying—soldiers grabbing election stuff, even kidnapping presiding officers. The officer on site shuts that down quick. No way, he says. But the video cuts off just like that. Leaves everyone guessing.
By Sunday night, the Nigerian Army couldn’t let it slide. They dropped a statement on their X handle—straight talk from Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division. He calls the video “misrepresented.” Totally out of context, he says. And here’s where the real story kicks in.
See, it all started around 8:20 pm. An officer from the 302 Artillery Regiment gets this frantic distress call. NYSC corps members and INEC staff? They’re in trouble. Political thugs holding them hostage, they report. Oh, and get this—the collation officer for that polling unit just vanished. Poof. No trace.
The Army doesn’t mess around with that. It’s their job, right? Constitution says aid civil authorities, protect folks. So, they send a rapid response team. Two officers, twelve soldiers. They roll up to the scene fast. What do they find? A powder keg. Political bigwigs everywhere, including the deputy governor, challenging them hard. Tempers flaring. Provocations left and right.
But the troops? They keep it cool. Professional as heck. No drawing weapons, no escalating. They swoop in, rescue the corps members and INEC people. Escort them safe to the INEC office. Collation picks up again, peaceful this time. Crisis over.
Ayeni lays it out clear in the statement. This wasn’t some power grab. Pure humanitarian move. Security intervention to save lives, keep the election rolling smooth. The video? It misses all that backstory. Makes it look like something sinister. “Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable,” they say. Can’t blame ’em for being ticked.
Now, the Army’s not stopping there. They’ve noted how some political actors behaved—pushing boundaries, stirring the pot. Plan to chat with the Anambra State Government. Improve teamwork next time. Makes sense. Elections are tricky enough without extra drama.
Look, the military’s hammering home their neutrality. They’re all about guarding democracy, not picking sides. Urging everyone to ditch the “false narratives.” In a place like Nigeria, where trust in institutions wobbles, this matters. Social media can twist things quick—turn a rescue op into a conspiracy overnight.
Dr. Ibezim’s side hasn’t chimed in yet, at least not publicly. But the video’s still circulating. Views piling up. Comments divided—some backing the deputy gov, others praising the soldiers. It’s a reminder, isn’t it? In the heat of polls, facts get buried under noise.
The Army’s clarification? It’s a breath of fresh air. Sets the record straight without pointing fingers too harsh. They could’ve gone aggressive, but nah. Restraint all around. As Anambra moves past this election mess, hopefully, lessons stick. Better coordination. Less suspicion. More focus on the votes.
This incident shines a light on bigger issues too. Military in elections—necessary or overreach? NYSC corps members, often young and vulnerable, facing thugs. INEC under pressure. It’s not just Awka. Happens across Nigeria. But for now, the Army’s story holds: they were the good guys in a bad spot.
Reportersroom will keep watching. If more details drop—from the state gov or elsewhere—we’ll update. Stay tuned. Elections done, but the echoes linger.
