Why the Abia Government Says Ikpeazu's "Silent CampaignÔÇØ Is Illegal and Highly Provocative | READ DETAILS

A storm erupted in Abia State politics this week after the Abia State Government, through Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, officially condemned an inflammatory political gathering convened by former Governor Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu at his residence in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa LGA. The government alleges the event flouted INEC regulations and sought to ignite political tension under the guise of casual discussion.

Though no formal declaration of intent was made, Prince Kanu's statement highlights that Ikpeazu's opening remarks-"deliver your booths and unitsÔÇØ-clearly signaled early campaign mobilization, violating the strict INEC ban on pre-campaign lobbying. Worse still, Kanu adds, the former governor hinted at insider knowledge of past electoral manipulations-"a veiled boast of rigging prowessÔÇØ-a claim that did not translate into success during his third-place finish in the 2023 Senate race.

"We acknowledge his right to free speech, but rights must follow legal boundaries,ÔÇØ Kanu asserted, firmly differentiating between lawful public discourse and incitement.

Beyond red flags on electoral timing, Kanu accused Ikpeazu of peddling misinformation and outright attacks on the current Otti administration, describing it as "recklessÔÇØ and "a recipe for unrest.ÔÇØ The warning came with weight: Abia remains on high alert, and any continuation of such acts will trigger legal consequences.

Highlighting the stakes, the Commissioner emphasized that Governor Alex Otti's government is intent on rebuilding Abia and cannot afford distractions from what he termed the "antics of those who had their chance and failed."

In a pointed appeal, the Information Ministry urged peaceful citizens to reject Ikpeazu's call to arms and return focus to pressing infrastructure and governance projects. Prince Kanu affirmed the administration's readiness to deploy legal mechanisms to safeguard public order and ensure Abia is not swept up in a pre-election spiral.

"A word, they say, is enough for the wise,ÔÇØ concluded the statement-an unmistakable final warning to the former governor.