The Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has denied allegations that he is recruiting and mobilising youths to attack supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The allegation was made by the Abia State chapter of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), which called on security agencies to investigate what it described as alleged plans to mobilise youths for political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. (Sahara Weekly Online)
According to the group, Emetu had allegedly been holding meetings with youths in different communities, particularly in Abia North, and was purportedly planning to arm some of them to cause unrest in areas including Bende, Ihechiowa, Abam, Isu, Ohafia, Isikwuato, Abiriba and Nkporo.
TSG spokesperson, Enyinna Nwigwe, urged the police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the alleged meetings and determine the purpose of the reported mobilisation.
However, Emetu’s office strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as false and unfounded. The Deputy Governor challenged the Tinubu Support Group and its spokesperson to provide concrete evidence linking him to any recruitment, mobilisation, arming or organisation of youths for attacks. (abiawatch.com)
The Deputy Governor’s office specifically asked the accusers to provide details of where and when the alleged recruitment took place, the identities of youths allegedly recruited and evidence connecting Emetu to the activities.
It also challenged the group to produce any available documentary, audio, video, photographic or electronic evidence supporting the allegations, including evidence concerning the alleged procurement or distribution of weapons.
The office further requested clarification over a statement reportedly attributed to Emetu concerning President Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, asking the accusers to provide the full context and source of the alleged statement. (abiawatch.com)
Emetu’s office said it was prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation into the allegations and called on those making the claims to submit whatever evidence they have to the appropriate security authorities.
The development comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. The allegations and subsequent denial have raised concerns about the need for political actors and supporters to avoid violence and allow security agencies to establish the facts surrounding serious claims.
As of the reports reviewed, the publicly established facts are that the Tinubu Support Group made the allegations while the Deputy Governor has denied them and demanded evidence. There is no independently established evidence in the reviewed reports confirming that Emetu recruited or armed youths for attacks. (superiornews.app)
The Deputy Governor’s office maintained that political disagreements should be addressed through lawful political engagement and democratic processes, rather than through unsubstantiated allegations or violence.
It urged political actors across Abia State to promote peace, respect the rule of law and ensure that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections do not threaten the security of residents.