2027: Imo PDP Demands Immediate Arrest, Prosecution of Orlu LGA Chairman Over Inciting Remarks

— Warns that opposition will not lie down 

— Declares APC's antics of brazen voter intimidation will no longer stand 

The Imo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned strong terms the remarks attributed to the APC Executive Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, suggesting that opposition political parties would not be allowed to operate freely in Orlu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to a release made public and available to infonews.com.ng duly signed by the state party publicity secretary, Mr Lancelot, PDP noted that a video of the statement circulated on social media, and the language used is not only disturbing but borders on political intimidation and incitement, while raising serious concerns about public safety, electoral freedom and the integrity of the democratic process.

The PDP therefore calls on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate the statement, its context and the intention behind it, and where the investigation establishes criminal culpability, arrest and prosecute the Chairman in accordance with the law.

The party asserts that it is unacceptable for a public official to suggest that any part of Imo State can be declared a political no-go area for opposition parties. For a fact, Orlu belongs to its people, not to the APC or any individual political office holder. No Chairman, Governor or political party has the constitutional authority to prevent citizens from freely associating, assembling, campaigning or supporting the political party of their choice.

More importantly, any statement suggesting an intention to intimidate opposition parties or interfere with their activities ahead of an election must be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The security agencies must not wait until threats translate into violence before acting.

Furthermore, Imo PDP notes that this is not the first time APC in Imo State is employing the antics of intimidation of voters in an election, as in the last Governorship election in the State, the party went as far as brazenly using town criers in many communities to announce that anyone not voting for APC should not bother being at the polling unit. What a crime. It shall no longer stand.

The PDP wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the opposition in Imo State, especially the PDP, will not lie down and watch while any individual or group within the APC intimidates voters, suppresses opposition or attempts to compromise the electoral process.

The era of political intimidation and impunity must end. It will no longer be business as usual in Imo State. We will defend the constitutional rights of our members, supporters and all Imolites to participate freely in the political process. We will document threats, report violations and pursue every lawful avenue to protect the people's votes and democratic rights.

We therefore call on INEC, civil society organisations, the media, election observers and the international community to take note of this disturbing development and closely monitor political activities in Orlu and other parts of Imo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

If the APC and its officials truly enjoy the confidence of the people, they should go to the polls and earn their votes. Elections must be decided by the people, not by threats, intimidation or violence. But we are quite aware that APC in Imo stands no chance at any election without electoral crimes.

We urge Imo people not to fall for these childish antics and take a queue from the Osun Governorship Election where the masses defied the loud mouths and intimation of APC actors to vote and defend their votes.

We say it again. The PDP will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will stand with the people and resist every unlawful attempt to subvert their democratic choice.