Abia Government Accuses Ex-Governor Ikpeazu of Breaching Electoral Guidelines, Inciting Political Tension

The Abia State Government has accused former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of allegedly stoking political tension in the state through his utterances during a recent meeting at his private residence in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the government claimed that the gathering, which included Ikpeazu’s former aides, political associates, and some community members, was ill-timed and in violation of constitutional provisions as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines regulating political campaigns in Nigeria.

The statement noted that while the former governor did not formally declare any political ambition, his directive to his audience to “deliver their booths and units” in future elections amounted to the initiation of political campaigning, which the government said constitutes a breach of INEC’s rules on electioneering activities.

Kanu further described Ikpeazu’s actions as unbecoming of a former governor and warned that such conduct could incite unrest and disrupt the existing peace in the state.

“It is, therefore, preposterous that Dr. Ikpeazu chose to exploit this illegal platform not only to mobilize politically but also to launch a vicious tirade of misinformation and attacks against the current administration,” the statement read. “Such reckless commentary not only disrespects the office he once held but also has the dangerous potential of inciting unrest and destabilizing the peace Abians currently enjoy.”

The government cautioned the former governor to exercise his rights to free speech and association within the bounds of the law and warned that the ban on political campaigns remains in force.

“We want to issue a final warning that the ban on campaigns has not been lifted and anyone campaigning now is breaking the law and attempting to heat up the polity. The government will not sit idly by and allow that to happen,” the statement added.