Abia PDP accuses Governor Alex Otti’s administration of attempting to silence opposition voices, labelling routine political meetings as unlawful campaigning
Abia Otti PDP political crackdown is the phrase now dominating political discourse in the state, following strong accusations by the Abia chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.
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The PDP has alleged that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is targeting opposition voices under the guise of curbing unlawful political activity.
This comes in response to a statement issued by the Abia State government concerning a political meeting held at the Obingwa residence of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The meeting, attended by Ikpeazu’s allies and party members, was reportedly described by the government as unauthorised political activity.
In a press release signed by its Publicity Secretary, Eric Ikwuagwu, the PDP dismissed the claims, stating that no Nigerian law forbids citizens from holding private political discussions.
The party insisted that the gathering was well within Ikpeazu’s rights, both as a citizen and as a former governor.
According to Ikwuagwu, the meeting served as a platform for opposition engagement where policies were scrutinised and democratic dialogue fostered.
He maintained that branding such activities as unlawful shows a disregard for the democratic principles the state government is sworn to uphold.
The PDP further criticised what it called the state’s “selective approach” to public gatherings.
They noted that several civic events involving Governor Otti had gone ahead without interference, including thanksgiving ceremonies and town hall receptions.
Drawing a national parallel, the party compared Ikpeazu’s treatment to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, alleging that a familiar pattern of political intimidation was unfolding. The PDP declared that it would neither be silenced nor bullied into retreat.
Despite the political tension, the party reiterated its commitment to democratic values, calling on the public and federal institutions to resist any erosion of opposition rights in the state.
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The incident has reignited concerns about the state of political freedom under the current administration.
