There is a disagreement between the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party and the State Government regarding the alleged plan by Governor Alex Otti to stifle opposition within the state.
The PDP, through a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Eric Ikwuagwu, claimed that some of its Working Committee members and other opposition figures have been arrested. They mentioned that a former chairman of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, along with four other PDP members, have been arrested on the governor’s orders.
According to the PDP, there are concerns about the whereabouts of the arrested individuals, as their phones are unreachable. They also highlighted the case of Onyekachi Nwabueze, who was allegedly abducted by the Department of State Services and detained without access to legal representation.
The PDP accused Governor Otti of targeting individuals who criticize his administration’s policies, including mass worker layoffs, non-transparent contract awards, and conflicts of interest.
In response to the PDP’s accusations, Governor Otti’s spokesperson, Ukoha Njoku, stated that the governor has faced similar attacks in the past and emphasized Otti’s commitment to democracy. Njoku also mentioned that the formation of a shadow government by the opposition is against constitutional principles.