The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Imo State has called for the prosecution of Orlu LGA Chairman, Chris Mbarie, over what it described as inciting remarks against opposition members in the state, alleging that APC ‘s act of intimidating opposition parties and the electorate will no longer be tolerated.
The party, in a press statement issued by its spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, condemned the alleged remarks attributed to the Council boss, who was accused of saying that opposition political parties would not be allowed to operate freely in Orlu LGA ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Obiaku, a video of the statement was circulated on social media even as he pointed out that the language used by the Council Chairman is not only disturbing but borders on political intimidation and incitement.
The PDP spokesperson asserted that the remarks have raised serious concerns about public safety, electoral freedom and the integrity of the democratic process.
“The party therefore calls on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, to immediately investigate the statement, its context and the intention behind it, and where the investigation establishes criminal culpability, arrest should be made, and prosecution should be followed in accordance with the law,” he said.
Obiaku averred that it is unacceptable for a public official to suggest that any part of the state can be declared a political no-go area for opposition parties, pointing out that Council Areas belong to the people and not to the APC or any political office holder.
The party maintained that no Chairman, Governor or political party has the constitutional authority to prevent citizens from freely associating, assembling, campaigning or supporting the political party of their choice.
“More importantly, any statement suggesting an intention to intimidate opposition parties or interfere with their activities ahead of an election must be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The security agencies must not wait until threats translate into violence before acting.
“Furthermore, Imo PDP notes that this is not the first time the APC is employing the antics of intimidation of voters in an election, as in the last governorship election in the state, the party went as far as brazenly using town criers in many communities to announce that anyone not voting for APC should not bother being at the polling unit. What a crime. It shall no longer stand,” the release added.
The party also warned that opposition parties in the state, especially the PDP, will not allow any individual or group within the ruling party to intimidate voters, suppress them or attempt to compromise the electoral process.
The PDP insisted that the era of political intimidation and impunity must end, saying that it will no longer be business as usual in Imo State.
Obiaku hinted that the PDP is out to defend the constitutional rights of its members and supporters to participate freely in the political process.
“We will document threats, report violations and pursue every lawful avenue to protect the people’s votes and democratic rights.
“We therefore call on INEC, civil society organisations, the media, election observers and the international community to take note of this disturbing development and closely monitor political activities in Orlu and other parts of the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
“If the APC and its officials truly enjoy the confidence of the people, they should go to the polls and earn their votes. Elections must be decided by the people, not by threats, intimidation or violence. But we are quite aware that the APC in Imo stands no chance at any election without electoral crimes,” the release further stated.
