The Ideato League of Patriots, a political advocacy group, has declared that the Imo State government cannot secure electoral victory in Ideato Federal Constituency through acts of vandalism, including the destruction of Action People’s Party (APP) offices and billboards.
In a strongly worded statement released at the weekend, the group accused Governor Hope Uzodimma of deploying thugs and suspected political agents to destroy the APP secretariat at Ntueke in Ideato South, while targeting the party’s billboards and posters across Ideato nation, particularly those bearing the image and goodwill messages of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
“The truth is that State‑backed vandalism cannot win votes”
“This is something they have always done, and have always failed,” the group declared in a statement signed by its Chairman, Engr. Eleazer Izukanne, and Secretary, Abel Onyejela.
The Ideato League of Patriots accused the state government of “deploying thugs to destroy party offices and billboards of the Action People’s Party in Ideato federal constituency,” describing the acts as a “ grossly shameful depth of irresponsibility and executive recklessness.”
The group further asserted that only a “depraved and demented adult” could assume that plunging a community into “arson, violence and vandalism” would translate into electoral success.
The statement also lambasted Governor Uzodimma, who the group claimed has “normalised abscondment from his duty post,” preferring to remain in Abuja rather than addressing the festering security challenges and infrastructural decay in Imo State.
“The action of these local urchins armed by the state government and branded Vigilantes has a clear and undeniable message much like what the dozens of media aides and spokespersons of the Governor have been parroting; that Governor Hope Uzodinma is evidently miffed by the fact that Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere has been relentless in speaking truth to power and has sustained a soaring political profile. We mince no words in saying that Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere is the pride of the entire Ideato Nation and has our blessings and mandate to speak and act for us. Shutting him down for holding firm progressive opinions is akin to shutting down the voice of Ideato Nation he represents,” the group stressed.
The group’s assertions come amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Few weeks ago also, the interim state executive committee of the Action People’s Party (APP) publicly decried the sustained pattern of destruction targeting its billboard installations across the state. In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke, the APP specifically alleged that agents of the ruling party were destroying its billboards in Ideato North and Ideato South federal constituencies.
“These repeated acts of destruction especially targeting the billboards of Rt. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere — are not isolated incidents,” the APP statement read.
“They form part of a deliberate action plan designed to undermine opposition visibility and suppress democratic expression in Imo State. Such tactics represent a dangerous regression that seeks to weaponize intimidation and harassment as tools for political advantage.”
The APP also called on security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the incidents, identify the perpetrators, and ensure swift prosecution.
“Adequate protective measures must be put in place for political materials, party installations, and all democratic actors,” the party maintained.
