The Abia State government has issued a stern warning to former governor Okezie Ikpeazu, accusing him of orchestrating political tension in the state through what it described as an unlawful political gathering at his private residence in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the government said Ikpeazu convened a meeting of former aides, political allies, and community members which it described as both ill-timed and unconstitutional.
While Ikpeazu did not officially declare a political ambition, the Commissioner said his call for supporters to “deliver their booths and units” in the next elections constituted a clear breach of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations that ban political campaigns outside the legally approved window.
“The timing and content of the meeting point to a veiled campaign exercise, which is in direct contravention of constitutional provisions and INEC’s electoral guidelines,” Kanu stated.
Government Cautions Against Destabilizing Rhetoric
The Abia government condemned the former governor’s alleged “vicious tirade of misinformation” and political criticism against the current administration, describing it as both reckless and inflammatory.
“Such reckless commentary not only disrespects the office he once held but also has the dangerous potential of inciting unrest and destabilizing the peace Abians currently enjoy,” the statement read.
The state warned that political mobilization under the guise of private meetings could stoke unnecessary tension, especially given the fragile security atmosphere in parts of the region.
“Final Warning” Issued
Emphasizing that the ban on political campaigns remains in effect, the government stressed that it will not tolerate any actions that violate electoral laws or endanger public order.
“We want to issue a final warning that the ban on campaigns has not been lifted, and anyone campaigning now is breaking the law and trying to heat up the polity. The government will not sit idly by and allow that to happen,” Kanu cautioned.
While the state reaffirmed Ikpeazu’s constitutional rights to free speech and association, it urged him to conduct himself within the boundaries of the law, especially as a former leader whose words carry weight.
As political activities subtly begin to stir ahead of upcoming elections, the Abia State government appears keen on nipping any premature campaigns or disruptions in the bud, signaling a firm stance on electoral discipline and state stability.
