Tension is rising in Imo State after a federal lawmaker accused security operatives of attempting to shut down a political gathering he described as peaceful and lawful.
Ikenga Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato Federal Constituency, claimed that security forces moved to disrupt his endorsement rally, an event held to position him as the consensus candidate for the 2027 elections. The lawmaker framed the incident as a direct challenge to citizens’ constitutional freedoms.
Speaking during the rally, Ugochinyere said any effort to block political gatherings undermines the rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, particularly the freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
“If I cannot lead my people to exercise their constitutional right of association, then I have failed in my duty. I swore an oath to uphold the law, and that law guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate,” he said.
The lawmaker, a chieftain of the Action Peoples Party (APP), called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, alleging that security personnel in Owerri were acting on directives from senior officials. He warned that such actions, if unchecked, could escalate tensions in the state.
Ugochinyere also raised alarm over reports that security agents allegedly opened fire during the incident, leaving several people injured — a claim that could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Eyewitnesses at the venue, Christ Anglican Church in Ntueke, alleged that armed operatives accompanied by suspected thugs disrupted the rally and damaged equipment. Despite the situation, organisers insisted the event would continue, describing it as a legitimate show of support for an elected representative.
The lawmaker urged the Inspector General of Police to step in immediately, arguing that the conduct of the operatives contradicted repeated assurances by security agencies to act with professionalism.
“We will proceed, though cautiously. We may slow our march, but we will not stop,” he said, adding that the presence of journalists ensured that any further developments would be publicly documented.
He maintained that the planned procession — from the church to a nearby party office — was entirely lawful and questioned why such an activity should attract security intervention.
Reaffirming his stance, Ugochinyere said democratic participation cannot be suppressed, urging political opponents to engage through elections rather than intimidation.
“To those who claim popularity yet panic at peaceful gatherings, meet us at the polls. Democracy provides the platform for contest, not suppression,” he added.
