Dr. Paul Ndukwe, a university lecturer and a known sympathizer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised serious alarm over a recent public notice issued by the Isuikwuato Local Government Council warning residents against the illegal collection of PVC, NIN, and other sensitive personal data.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Ndukwe revealed that the notice, rather than protecting citizens, is a part of a broader attempt to frustrate lawful political activities, particularly party registration exercises. He specifically alleged that Governor Alex Otti instructed the Chairman of Isuikwuato Local Government to deliberately obstruct and frustrate ongoing registration efforts under the guise of data protection and security concerns.
According to Dr. Ndukwe, this pattern is not new. He recalled a similar situation in Ohafia Local Government Area, where comparable actions allegedly disrupted party activities and discouraged citizen participation. He warned that the situation in Isuikwuato appears to signal an expansion of what he described as a calculated strategy to other local governments across the state.
Dr. Ndukwe called the attention of all relevant security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security stakeholders to closely monitor developments in Isuikwuato and beyond. He stressed the need to ensure that democratic rights, freedom of association, and lawful political participation are not suppressed under any pretext.
He further cautioned Governor Otti against what he described as “playing double politics” publicly projecting cooperation with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while allegedly working against the President’s party at the grassroots. According to him, such methods of political confrontation will not be accepted by party supporters and well-meaning Nigerians.
Dr. Ndukwe urged transparency, fairness, and adherence to democratic principles, emphasizing that political competition must be conducted openly and lawfully, not through intimidation or administrative obstruction.
