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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Leadership of the Action People’s Party (APP) has lamented the sustained destruction of the party’ billboards particularly in Ideato federal constituency by suspected agents of the ruling party.
This is as the party vowed to resist intimidation, harassment and undemocratic conduct from any quarter, saying the sustained destruction of billboards of one of the party’s chieftains and a member representing the Ideato federal constituency is part of a deliberate policy to undermine his visibility.
In press statement by the Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke, APP noted that the repeated acts of destruction of the billboards installations of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, chieftain of the party and member representing Ideato federal constituency in the House of Representatives is a deliberate act to undermine his visibility in the federal constituency.
The statement read: “These repeated acts of destruction — especially targeting the seasonal greeting billboards of Rt. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a prominent leader and stalwart of our party — are not isolated incidents. They form part of a deliberate action plan designed to undermine opposition visibility and suppress democratic expression in Imo State.
“The Action People’s Party views this culture of political intolerance, intimidation, and harassment as wholly undemocratic, strongly condemnable, and unacceptable in any civilized society. Such tactics represent a dangerous regression that seeks to weaponize intimidation and harassment as tools for political advantage.
“As we navigate towards the 2027 general elections in the state, the Action People’s Party firmly declares that any attempt to employ these undemocratic methods will not be tolerated by APP or the peace-loving people of Imo State.
“These acts of vandalism not only cause material damage but also aim to instill fear among supporters, deter public participation, and distort the level playing field essential for credible elections. By targeting APP’s billboard infrastructure and other exposure materials, the perpetrators seek to silence the growing voices calling for genuine change, accountability, and better governance in Imo State.
“While APP appeals to those responsible — including any individuals or groups acting on behalf of the ruling party — to desist forthwith from these destructive and provocative actions, the party urges all political actors to return to issue-based engagement. Healthy competition must be driven by superior ideas, policies, and visions for development, not by intimidation or sabotage that erodes public trust and threatens social harmony.
“On this note, APP calls on all relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to take immediate and decisive steps to thoroughly investigate these incidents, identify the culprits, and ensure swift prosecution. Adequate protective measures must be put in place for political materials, party installations, and all democratic actors to guarantee a hostility-free and harmonious political environment conducive to peace and stability in our dear state.
“The Action People’s Party reaffirms its unwavering dedication to peaceful, inclusive, and democratic advancement for Imo State. We call on the media, civil society organizations, community leaders, and all citizens of goodwill to stand firmly against political thuggery and join us in promoting tolerance, dialogue, and fair play as we build towards a brighter future in 2027.”
