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By Tracy Moses
There was heightened tension in Imo State on Tuesday after the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that security operatives disrupted a political rally and attacked participants during an endorsement event organised by his constituents ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ugochinyere condemned what he described as a coordinated attempt to suppress the constitutional rights of citizens, alleging that the gathering, which he said was peaceful and lawful, was violently disrupted.
He further alleged that security operatives opened fire on unarmed supporters, leaving several persons injured. However, these claims could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report, and security authorities had yet to respond.
“If I cannot lead my people to exercise their constitutional right of association, then I have failed in my duty,” he said. “I swore an oath to uphold the law, and that law, the 1999 Constitution, guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate.”
The lawmaker, who is a chieftain of the African Democratic Party (APP), called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by directing relevant authorities in Abuja to rein in security operatives in Owerri, whom he alleged were acting under instructions from senior officials.
He also expressed concern over what he described as increasing intimidation of political gatherings in the state.
“Let it be made clear: I am a duly elected federal lawmaker representing my people. I am marching to commission my party office, an act that is entirely lawful. Since when did commissioning a party office become an offence?” he queried.
Ugochinyere maintained that political mobilisation, party activities, and peaceful assembly remain fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Eyewitnesses also alleged that armed operatives, accompanied by suspected thugs, disrupted the rally and damaged equipment at the venue located at Christ Anglican Church, Ntueke. These accounts, however, remain unverified.
Despite the reported disruption, the lawmaker insisted the event would proceed in a controlled manner, adding that journalists and cameras were present to document developments as they unfolded.
He also called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident, insisting that the actions attributed to security operatives contradict assurances of professionalism and neutrality.
“We urge those directing these operations in Owerri to immediately withdraw their forces and allow citizens to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully,” he added.
Ugochinyere reaffirmed that the right to peaceful assembly and association remains non-negotiable, stressing that political disputes should be resolved through democratic processes rather than intimidation.
“To those who claim popularity yet panic at peaceful gatherings, we say this: meet us at the polls. Democracy provides the platform for contest, not suppression,” he said.
As of press time, there was no official response from the police or relevant security agencies regarding the allegations.