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Otti after our leaders for exposing his corrupt govt – PDP *Seek IG’s intervention
Nothing short of immediate intervention by Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, will assuage the apprehension of leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Abia State chapter, currently crying out over an alleged onslaught on them by Alex Otti, the governor.
They accuse the governor of going after the said party chieftains because of the decision of the party to expose the malfeasances going on in his government, including beaming the searchlight on the N100billion, left behind by the previous PDP, which they suspect has now grown wings.
The apprehension of the party was captured by Eric Ikwuagwu, its spokesman in the state, who said the members were already aware of a disturbing plot the governor to clampdown, on more people from the ones he had already arrested in the past, as a way of intimidating and suppressing opposition in the state.
Stating that the onslaught was being directed at the PDP State Working Committee (SWC), as well as other prominent opposition figures, on baseless allegations, Ikwuagwu, said the move appearered to be part of an effort to evade crucial questions surrounding the whereabouts of over N100 billion in state funds, which have been paid out for projects.
Ikwuagwu named the projects the money was meant for to include N6.5 billion for recreational facilities, N2.4 billion for ICT infrastructure, N11.9 billion for educational facilities, N7 billion for a research lab, and N3 billion for capacity building, among other questionable expenditures, adding that the figures were clearly reflected in the quarterly financial reports published by the Accountant General of the state.
Crying out over the alleged acts intimidation, the statement said: “As of now, Barr. Henry Chilaka, former Chairman of ASOPADEC and former Council Chairman, has been arrested on the direct orders of Governor Otti. Additionally, four other PDP members are believed to have been detained, with their whereabouts currently unknown and their phone numbers unreachable.
“Again, the case of Citizen Onyekachi Nwabueze Success who was incarcerated based on trump-up allegations on the orders of Governor Alex Otti buttresses the political persecution and onslaught against perceived political opponents. Nwabueze Success was abducted in a gestapo style by men of the DSS, summarily tried and sent to Afara prison without access to his lawyer.
“The fact is that they were trying to establish who was responsible for leaking a document which clearly showed that Governor Alex Otti paid N50millon of tax payers money to his personal lawyer, Chief Ken Ahia SAN, for purportedly negotiating a road contract the Governor awarded long before his inauguration on May 29th 2023. “This opaque transaction which was never tendered for bears all the insignia of conflict of interest and violation of the extant law on public procurement is only one of many that the shadow cabinet was meant to monitor on behalf of the people of Abia State.
“The only “crime” of these individuals is their firm and constructive criticism of Governor Otti’s administration, on certain obnoxious policies which included mass dismissal of workers without due process, the awarding of contracts without public tender, and a blatant conflict of interest in handling of state affairs.”
Ikeagwu, pointed out that Otti was more infuriated by the party’s decision to form a shadow government, in what he described as a strategic move to hold the state government accountable through formalised opposition.
The move endorsed by Abraham Amah the state PDP Chairman to foster greater transparency, accountability, and constructive opposition in governance, saw to the appointment of members to mirror the activities of each state ministry, with the intent of offering alternative, informed perspectives on government policies, the statement, said.
It added: “This initiative evidently angered Governor Otti, who, in an unprecedented move, vowed in one of his media chats with select journalists in Abia State to crush all dissenting voices in the state. Governor Otti has shown a clear disregard for the PDP, consistently, he has struggled to obliterate the achievements of former Governors before him and has continuously targeted the immediate past Governor Okezie Ikpeazu PhD for public ridicle and media trials since taking office.
“The situation escalated to a dangerous crescendo when Governor Otti falsely linked the rising insecurity in Abia State to the opposition, thereby politicising a serious security issue and offering cover to criminal elements who can now operate with impunity.
“We strongly condemn this abuse of power and the growing intolerance towards democratic dissent. We call on the Inspector General of Police Mr. Kayode Egbetokun to ensure that the Abia State Police Command remains impartial and does not become an instrument of political oppression. The Nigerian Police Force has a long-standing reputation for professionalism, and we urge them to uphold these standards in Abia State.
“We also appeal to the National Security Adviser to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to intervene in this matter before Governor Otti’s actions descend into authoritarianism, threatening the very fabric of our democracy. We are reminded of the time and effort it took to ensure that Hon. Aaron Uzodike a duly elected member of the PDP, who had won at the Appeal Court, was sworn into the Abia State House of Assembly after an inexplicable 10-month delay. To this day, Hon. Aaron Uzodike is still struggling to receive his rightful entitlements.
“It is important to note that before the rise of the Labour Party to power, political parties in Abia State respected each other’s rights, even in the heat of fierce election campaigns. However, the current government’s intolerance and disregard for the principles of democracy could set our progress back to a time when political opposition was repressed. If left unchecked, Governor Otti’s actions would undermine the democratic gains made so far since 1999.
“We urge the federal authorities, including the National Security Adviser, to urgently address the growing crisis in Abia State and prevent Governor Otti from further eroding democratic norms and human rights in the state.”
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday left a word of caution for the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the verge of conducting nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections – be fair to all.
Tinubu, whose position was conveyed through Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, enjoined those in charge of picking the candidates to take the interest of the party and all those contesting for various positions into account, maintaining that politics of in infighting and “do-or-die” must be dispensed with.
Urging all members including the aspirants to conduct themselves peacefully, he stressed that they must uphold the principles of internal democracy, fairness and sportsmanship.
His words: “We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game. Contestant must see the exercise as an opportunity to strengthen party unity rather than create divisions.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters. All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.
Tinubu also warned against actions capable of undermining democracy and party cohesion, stressing that winners should avoid triumphalism while losers should accept the outcome in good faith.
The statement, read in full: “Fellow party men and women, I am pleased to witness this historic moment in the annals of our party. The party we formed just like yesterday is gearing up for its fourth election cycle. It is a source of pride for me, and I believe for all our distinguished leaders and teeming members.
“We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice. This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us go through each election cycle and come out firmer together. We must consolidate on it as we go into the primaries tomorrow.
“The primary elections, kicking off with those for House of Representatives aspirants tomorrow and culminating in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers. They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party. They present an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals that we share.
“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates. It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members. I note the impressive progress made in this regard and encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters. All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.
“We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity. In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time.
“The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.
“Winners and party leaders at all levels should reach out to those who did not succeed with olive branches. We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game. Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party. Those who lost out have the opportunity to appeal to the party’s committees set up for redress.
“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance. While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population.
“Lastly, the Police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise. Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more.
“I wish all our aspirants and party members good luck and a successful outing. I look forward to working with the victorious aspirants for the success of our great party in the general election.”
Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor of Oyo State, on Thursday, finally threw his hats into the ring by declaring his intention to run for president in 2027, with a message – history beckons.
The governor, whose ambition has been a matter of speculations for months now and who had teamed up with forces angling to force President Bola Tinubu, out of power, told a teeming crowd in Ibadan on Thursday that time had come to reset Nigeria.
At a mega-rally to announce the alliance between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Allied Peoples’ Movement, (APM), Makinde, expressed worry over the dwindling fortunes of Nigerians, vowing to engage Nigerians to end the drift.
Hear him: “Without a multi-party system, there is no democracy. Where is our multi-party? Where do we go from here? We have been pushed to the wall.
“They calculated and self-opposition cannot unite but I am here to say that the opposition is the everyday Nigerian. This is the time for all us to ensure Nigeria works for us. This is the time to confront it fears. It is time to engage as citizens and not spectators.
“For the opposition political parties, this is the time to unite and work in unity and give our nation the much reset it needs. The time to reset Nigeria is now. Ibadan is the city of warriors. The first grand alliance is formed. The PDP and APM is formed. This handshake will allow us to field candidates from presidency to state Assembly. And so, I declare my candidacy for office of the president of Nigeria.”
Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), on Wednesday, gave a detailed account on how operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) manhandled him on Monday.
He told reporters that he was at sea on why he should fall victim to the assault against his person and eventually arrested given that was not right person directly involved in the information the agency sought.
Some operatives of the EFCC who invaded the hospital, had whisked Ekpe away after firing teargas to scare away the workers, patients and visitors to the hospital, following what appeared like a fracas the ensued over what it claimed was a routine duty in the facility.
Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), described how an operative had first entered his office to make inquiries on why the hospital was yet to give a response to an EFCC inquiry over a medical report linked to a suspect facing trial.
He detailed how he briefed the operative that the said response was being prepared and even went ahead to show him the draft of a letter in that regard, which needed to go through the gamut of official endorsement before being released.
Hear him: “The head of that internal medicine department looked at the report and also discovered that the name of the doctor that signed the report is not a member of staff of that department.
“I had prepared prepared a response to the EFCC on Monday, May 11, 2026, based on the findings. When the EFCC operative visited my office the next morning to collect the document, I told him that the response was ready in draft. I even showed him the draft, but told him that the document still needed approval from the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital before it could be officially signed and released.
“He pretended to have accepted that. He left, but later later returned with another armed operative and informed me that I was under arrest. I asked him why. I was not the one that issued the medical report. My name is not on the medical report. The report was not issued from my unit.
“But he said I would get the answer when I get to their office. I then asked him to at least wait for my staff member who I sent on an errand before joining them. But they refused.
“They started pushing me. They dragged me out of the office. Then I began to cry while they were dragging me. They had warned me not to speak. They had taken my phone. My cry as they were dragging me, attracted the workers to the scene, who enquired what was going on, but because they ordered me not to speak, I couldn’t say anything. They had their guns.
The members of staff of the hospital initially blocked them from taking me away. They then made a call. After that I saw many masked and armed men came violently, broke the protector, threatening the people that were around and people ran away.
“They picked some staff that were still by me. they dragged me and other staff, five of us into their van downstairs. By that time they discovered that the gate of the hospital were locked. So, they drove towards the gate and packed and the commotion continued. We were inside the van.
“I was so emotionally and psychologically traumatised that I couldn’t even look out of the vehicle to see what was happening outside. But I know that teargas and live bullets were shot. That’s all I can say for now.”
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