Imo State Chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has accused the Imo State government of orchestrating an attack on supporters of Federal Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere during a constituency briefing held at Christ Anglican Church in Itueke, Ideato South Local Government Area, on [date not specified].
In a statement released by APP spokesperson Steve Nnadi, the party alleged that state security operatives and men in masks – described as “thugs” – were deployed to the event and used tear‑gas, physical force and intimidation against attendees, which included men, women, youths and guests from the constituency.
The statement said the incident appears to be part of a “deliberate attempt to disrupt, harass and intimidate” Hon. Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North and South in the National Assembly. APP claimed the alleged actions reflect a pattern of hostility toward opposition figures since Governor Hope Uzodinma assumed office on 15 January 2020.
According to the party, the same government has previously targeted the lawmaker’s country home, resulting in a fire that caused deaths and destroyed property valued at “millions of naira.” APP described the purported use of live ammunition and tear‑gas against unarmed constituents as “barbaric” and called for widespread condemnation.
APP urged residents of Imo State, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to speak out against the alleged violence, warning that such conduct could fuel ongoing social unrest. The party also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the State Elders Council and the Imo State House of Assembly to intervene and hold Governor Uzodinma accountable.
Attempts to contact Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mbadiwe Emeluba for comment were unsuccessful; the commissioner did not respond to calls, text messages or WhatsApp inquiries.
The accusations come amid heightened political tension in the state, with opposition parties alleging repeated interference by the governor’s administration in democratic processes. No official response from the Imo State government has been released at the time of publication.
