Ex-Minority Leader urges opposition to unite against alleged intimidation by Abia Govt.
Former Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chijioke Chukwu, has called on the opposition political parties and the people to unite in defence of democracy in the state.
Chukwu alleged a coordinated attempt by the Abia State Government to suppress dissenting voices.
He made the call on Sunday, while reacting to the recent revocation of the lease contract for Abia Hotels, Umuahia, by the state government.
The state government had recently revoked the contract for an alleged breach of agreement., but the management had described the move as illegal and had threatened action.
However, Chukwu, a chieftain of All Progressives Party (APC), accused the government of vindictiveness, harassment and intimidation of the opposition.
He alleged that the revocation was politically motivated, claiming that it was triggered by the APC hosting a rally at the hotel premises on Oct.5, 2025, which drew a large turnout of supporters.
Chukwu, who represented Bendel North in the 7th Assembly, further alleged that the Labour Party–led administration demolished a private property worth billions at the Trademore Complex, Umuahia, without paying compensation.
The APC chieftain who also serves as a member of the North West Development Commission Board, argued that such actions would discourage investors from considering Abia for business.
He also accused the government of attempting to shut down an event centre in Osisioma, where the APC recently held another rally, an action he described as further evidence of intolerance toward the opposition.
The former lawmaker criticised what he called the government’s growing hostility toward dissenting voices, noting that he enjoyed freedom of expression as an opposition member before the 2023 elections.
Chukwu therefore urged opposition members and the people at large to unite and resist what he described as moves by Gov. Alex Otti’s administration to clamp down on dissent.
He warned that such actions pose a threat to democratic principles in the state.
