The Action Peoples Party (APP), Imo State chapter, has condemned the alleged disruption of a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Owerri Municipal Council Area, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Steve Nnadi, the APP alleged that the meeting, held at Umuoyima Community, was disrupted by individuals it described as political thugs, allegedly led by an aide to the Imo State Governor.
The party claimed that a viral video circulating on social media showed participants being chased from the venue, while several persons reportedly sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Describing the incident as disturbing, the APP said every registered political party and political association has the constitutional right to hold peaceful meetings and carry out lawful political activities without intimidation or violence.
The party further expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of political intolerance in the state, recalling the alleged disruption of a meeting involving its House of Assembly candidate for Ideato North State Constituency, Mbadiwe Ogugua, in Arondizuogu.
The APP urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to caution his political appointees, aides and supporters against actions capable of undermining democratic principles and the rule of law.
It also called on the Imo State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The party appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee equal protection for all political parties and ensure a peaceful environment for lawful political activities ahead of future elections.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and democratic engagement, the APP urged its members and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and focused despite what it described as acts of intimidation.
MukTV reports that the allegations contained in the APP’s statement have not been independently verified, and there has been no official response from the Imo State Government or the Nigeria Police Force as of the time of filing this report.
