Abia APC intimidation allegations emerge as party accuses Governor Otti’s government of targeting opposition members through courts

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has accused the administration of Governor Alex Otti of using state institutions, including the courts, to intimidate opposition members and silence critics demanding accountability.

Also read: Abia APC alleges N5bn plot to destabilise party

The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Saturday by APC Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, who claimed that several opposition figures had faced harassment and litigation for questioning government actions.

According to the party, what it described as Abia APC intimidation allegations reflect a broader pattern of alleged political persecution against critics of the state government.

“We are aware of several attempts by the state government and its agents to intimidate, harass, oppress, and, in some instances, use their influence within the judicial system to persecute Abians who dare to question government actions,” the APC said.

The party further alleged that more than 10 opposition members had been dragged before courts in Abuja, Lagos and Abia over demands for transparency and accountability.

It insisted that its role as an opposition party was to ensure prudent management of public resources and to hold government accountable through legitimate democratic means.

“Our interventions have remained focused on governance, accountability, transparency, prudent management of public resources, and the protection of citizens’ rights,” the statement added.

The APC also vowed not to be silenced, describing criticism as a core component of democratic practice.

“Let it be clearly stated that neither the APC nor its members can be intimidated into silence. We will continue to demand responsible, accountable, and transparent governance in Abia State,” it said.

However, the ruling Labour Party strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and lacking evidence.

In a counter-statement, Labour Party spokesperson Iroegbu Emenike said the APC was engaging in propaganda and failing to substantiate its claims against the administration.

He argued that seeking legal accountability for defamatory statements or unproven allegations does not amount to intimidation.

“It is important to remind the Abia APC that nobody is intimidating them. Asking people to provide evidence for allegations is not intimidation,” Emenike said.

Emenike also defended Governor Otti, describing him as a product of opposition politics who previously criticised successive governments without interference.

He accused the APC of making what he called baseless claims, including an allegation that the state government spent N5 billion to destabilise the party, which he said had not been supported with evidence.

“If they have facts, they should present them. If they do not have facts, they should stop misleading the public,” he said.

Also read: APC Faces Urgent Call Over Delayed Primary Resolution

The dispute highlights deepening political tensions in Abia State, with both parties maintaining sharply contrasting narratives over governance, accountability and the role of opposition in the state.