The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Imo State chapter, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state, under Governor Hope Uzodinma, of compelling civil servants to register in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.
The party described the alleged action as unacceptable in a constitutional democracy, saying it amounts to a direct violation of citizens’ rights to freedom of association.
APGA made the allegation in a statement issued by its Imo State Chairman, John Iwuala, who said the development has caused frustration among civil servants and other residents of the state.
Iwuala noted that APGA, as a party committed to promoting and defending Igbo social, political and economic interests, is opposed to any form of coercion in political participation.
He advised Governor Uzodinma to allow Imo workers to operate within established civil service rules, which prohibit public servants from engaging in partisan politics.
“As a matter of fact, it is never done in any sane society, as no one forces any individual to join a particular political party in a democratic society,” Iwuala said.
“We encourage Imo citizens never to support a one-party system. Civil servants do not play partisan politics in any sane clime. The Imo State Government is very wrong to mandate any civil servant to register in any political party.
“It is unacceptable and provocative. It is also a gross violation of people’s fundamental human rights,” he added.
The APGA chairman further stated that the 2027 general election presents an opportunity for the Imo electorate to correct perceived wrongs, stressing that no citizen should be intimidated or forced to belong to the APC or any political party.
“If the APC is really doing well under Uzodinma, it is the scorecard that will encourage citizens to vote for the party in 2027,” he said.
“But if the government is undemocratic and insensitive to the lives and property of the citizens, the Imo electorate will have no option than to vote the APC out.
“The present Imo State Government should have a rethink,” the party cautioned.
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