As the 2027 general elections draw closer, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Coalition for Good Governance and Grassroots Development has raised a red flag over what it called, “a calculated attempt by the Imo State Government and its agents to restrict and undermine the humanitarian outreach of renowned philanthropist, Dr. Chima Amadi.
At a parley with journalists in Owerri, Thursday, Dr. Princess Ukanwa, Director of Politics and Communications of the coalition, accused the government of orchestrating a coordinated plan, to intimidate, frustrate, and possibly silence Amadi, a Governorship aspirant, whose increasing popularity and widespread humanitarian impact have continued to attract mass support, especially among rural dwellers, youths, and indigent women across the 27 LGAs of the state.
“We are deeply concerned by the growing intolerance for citizen-led development initiatives in Imo State,” the coalition stated. “Instead of celebrating and supporting people like Dr. Chima Amadi, who have committed their personal resources to empowering the poor and deprived, the government appears fixated on tearing him down.”
The coalition alleged that there are ongoing covert efforts by state actors to frustrate Amadi’s scheduled empowerment programs in some local communities, including denials of access to public venues, security bottlenecks, and a surge in malicious online propaganda aimed at misrepresenting his reputation and intentions.
This disturbing trend, they argued, is a replay of the recent political intolerance seen in Edo State where Governor Monday Okpebholo warned Labour Party leader Peter Obi never to enter the state without prior notice.
“The same anti-democratic playbook is being dusted off in Imo,” one of the CSO leaders said. “It starts with subtle restrictions, then blackmail, then threats. We are calling it out early because the signs are clear.”
The coalition highlighted Dr. Amadi’s track record in free medical outreaches, education grants, youth capacity-building programs, and micro-enterprise support for rural women, describing his efforts as “more impactful than many government projects combined.”
They added that attempts to blackmail or misrepresent Amadi’s work have so far failed, as the people continue to embrace him even more.
“Each time they try to shut him down with propaganda, his outreach grows stronger. This is what now frightens the political establishment, they fear his message, the most,” the coalition noted.
The CSOs warned that any escalation in hostilities against Amadi could signal a broader crackdown on other humanitarian actors across the state.
They urged the security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police, to protect Dr. Amadi and allow him continue his non-partisan humanitarian activities without harassment or sabotage.
“Dr. Chima Amadi represents hope to thousands of forgotten families. Any attempt to restrict his outreach is not just an attack on him, but an assault on the basic dignity of the poor,” the coalition warned.
