Politics
APC Alleges Intimidation In Okrika
Chairman of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Barrister Tamuno Williams, has decried the attempt to intimidate the party in the area by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at the weekend during a media interactive programme organised by Silver Bird Communications in Port Harcourt, Barrister Williams said different attacks have been orchestrated by the PDP to scare people from supporting APC.
He noted that the incessant attacks faced by APC in Okrika is as a result of the rising popularity of the party and its guber candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
Williams accused the PDP of being afraid of the rising membership and support for the APC in Okrika, and dismissed claims that its members were fermenting trouble.
The APC chairman in Okrika further accused the police of partisanship, recall that since the incident of January 11th was reported to the police, no investigation or arrest has been made.
In his words, “the attack on APC campaign ground at Abam-Ama and razing of a two-storey building is a serious one. As a party, we reported to the police and the police brought in their bomb disposal unit … we still believe that something will be done”.
Decrying the police inability to nab the perpetrators, Williams reasoned that the way things are, the police cannot guarantee the safety and lives of APC members in the area.
According to him, “we are shouting loud and clear that by events, our lives are not safe in Okrika.
He, however, assured that despite the intimidation, the party would continue to carry out its campaign in Okirika, since the law provides for freedom of association and assembly.
“We are still conscientising the police. The police don’t need to be cowed… For us in APC, we believe that change doesn’t come easily, and if you have your right, you must protect you right.
“Our stand is that we will continue to go about activities that will enable us win for our party”, the former chairman stressed.
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.
