PDP Demands Arrest, Prosecution Of Orlu LG Chairman
The Imo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong disapproval of the remarks made by the Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, which suggested that opposition political parties would be restricted from operating freely within the council area in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
This condemnation was articulated in a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku.
The PDP characterized the statement disseminated on social media as not only alarming but also indicative of political intimidation and incitement, raising significant concerns regarding public safety, electoral freedom, and the integrity of the democratic process.
Consequently, the PDP has urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the statement, its context, and the underlying intentions. Should the investigation reveal any criminal liability, the party demands the arrest and prosecution of the Chairman in accordance with the law.
The party emphasized that it is unacceptable for any public official to imply that any region of Imo State can be designated as a no-go area for opposition parties.
The PDP asserted, “Orlu belongs to its people, not to the APC or any individual political office holder. No Chairman, Governor, or political party possesses the constitutional authority to hinder citizens from freely associating, assembling, campaigning, or supporting the political party of their choice.”
Furthermore, the PDP stressed that any statement suggesting an intention to intimidate opposition parties or disrupt their activities in advance of an election must be treated with the utmost seriousness. Security agencies must act proactively rather than waiting for threats to escalate into violence.
Additionally, the Imo PDP pointed out that this is not the first instance of the APC in Imo State employing intimidation tactics against voters during an election. In the recent gubernatorial election, the party reportedly resorted to using town criers in various communities to declare that individuals who did not vote for the APC should refrain from attending polling units. Such actions are deemed unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.
The PDP firmly stated that the opposition in Imo State, particularly the PDP, will not passively observe while any individual or group within the APC intimidates voters, suppresses opposition, or seeks to undermine the electoral process.
