A civil rights and good governance organisation, SAVE-IMO, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging political thuggery, intimidation, destruction of opposition campaign materials and attempts to suppress political activities in Avu Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
In an open letter dated September 26, 2026, and signed by the organisation’s Lead Activist, Ebubeagu Ekenulo, SAVE-IMO accused Hon. Paschal Okoro, popularly known as “Ajangwo,” a councillor representing Avu Ward 1, of destroying campaign billboards and posters belonging to political opponents.
The organisation also linked the alleged incident to Hon. Kanayo Dele Onyemeachi, popularly known as “Egbe,” who represents Owerri West State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly and serves as the Assembly’s Majority Leader.
According to the petition, SAVE-IMO is in possession of a video recording allegedly showing Okoro destroying campaign materials belonging to political opponents.
The organisation further alleged that Okoro was heard in the video declaring that no other political party was permitted to operate or campaign in Avu Community apart from the political interests associated with Onyemeachi.
SAVE-IMO said the video also showed Okoro chanting and hailing “Egbe,” the nickname by which Onyemeachi is known.
The organisation described the alleged conduct as a serious threat to peaceful political participation, arguing that the destruction of campaign materials and alleged intimidation of political opponents could create fear among residents and supporters of other political parties.
“This is not ordinary political disagreement,” the organisation stated, alleging that the incident represented an attempt to use intimidation and destruction of property to establish political control over the community.
SAVE-IMO expressed concern that such activities, if allowed to continue, could undermine peaceful political participation as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The group said it would make the video recording and other relevant materials available to the Nigeria Police Force to facilitate investigation.
It therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police to order what it described as a “full and impartial investigation” into the matter, invite the individuals named in the petition and persons captured in the video, protect anyone who may be at risk of further intimidation, and prosecute any person found to have committed criminal offences.
The organisation maintained that political office, influence or party affiliation should not be used to intimidate political opponents or restrict citizens from supporting political parties of their choice.
“Avu is not a private political estate. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a territory to be controlled by political thugs,” SAVE-IMO stated.
The group urged the police authorities to act swiftly, warning that failure to address the alleged conduct could result in an escalation of tensions and potentially threaten public safety.
The allegations contained in the petition are claims by SAVE-IMO, and the persons named in the complaint would have an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
