Abia State Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu has denied allegations that he recruited or mobilised youths to attack supporters of President Bola Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The allegation was made by the Abia State chapter of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), which called on security agencies to investigate what it described as alleged plans to mobilise youths ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, through his Chief Press Secretary, Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, Emetu’s office described the allegations as false, baseless and unfounded.
The Deputy Governor said he had no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or organising youths to attack Tinubu supporters, APC members or any other individual or group.
Emetu’s office challenged the Tinubu Support Group and its spokesperson, Enyinna Nwigwe, to provide evidence supporting the allegations.
It asked the group to identify where and when the alleged recruitment and meetings took place, who attended them and the identities of the youths allegedly recruited.
The office also requested evidence linking Emetu to the alleged activities, including any documentary, audio, video, photographic or electronic material. It further asked the accusers to provide details of the weapons they alleged were to be used and who supposedly procured or distributed them.
The Deputy Governor’s office also sought the full context and source of any statement allegedly made by Emetu concerning President Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.
It called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to invite Nwigwe to present whatever evidence he claimed to have concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.
Emetu, according to the statement, is prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation into the allegations.
The Deputy Governor’s office said political disagreements should be addressed through lawful engagement and evidence rather than unsubstantiated accusations.
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It also maintained that Emetu would continue carrying out his responsibilities as Deputy Governor and engaging with Abians through peaceful and lawful political activities as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
The Tinubu Support Group had earlier alleged that youths were being recruited in parts of Abia, particularly in Abia North, and called for security agencies to investigate the alleged activities. Those allegations have been denied by Emetu, and the reports reviewed do not establish that the alleged recruitment or planned attacks occurred.
The dispute comes as political activity increases in Abia ahead of the 2027 general elections.