The Coalition of United Political Parties has alleged a conspiracy involving a faction within the opposition and certain security agencies to arrest and frame its spokesperson and Imo lawmaker, Hon. Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu, popularly known as Ikenga Imo.
During a press conference in Abuja, CUPP’s Secretary-General, High Chief Peter Ameh, and co-spokesman, Comrade Mark Adebayo, described the alleged scheme as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The coalition claimed that the plan involves fabricating charges against Ugochinyere, including bribery, criminal defamation, subversion, and treason. They alleged that false witnesses are being trained to substantiate these accusations.
The CUPP linked this development to Ugochinyere’s role in exposing alleged illegal activities and reckless allocations within the Peoples Democratic Party, which they claimed implicates key figures in the accused faction.
The coalition outlined the alleged conspiracy as follows:
– Destabilizing Rivers State: A faction aims to hijack the PDP leadership and create political instability through the reinstatement of sacked lawmakers.
– Misuse of Security Agencies: State institutions are allegedly being weaponized for political vendettas.
– Silencing Opposition Voices: Ugochinyere is being targeted for his outspoken stance against misconduct within the PDP.
CUPP warned that any harm to Ugochinyere would face significant resistance, including legal action and nationwide protests. It called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the European Union, and the UK to intervene. Additionally, the coalition urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and international observers to monitor the situation closely.
“This is a desperate, low-budget Nollywood production whose purpose has already failed,” CUPP stated. “Ikenga’s commitment to speaking truth to power is God-given and cannot be silenced by intimidation, blackmail, or false allegations.”
The coalition highlighted that Ugochinyere had previously faced fabricated charges of treason and terrorism during his election campaign but had successfully overcome them.
Reaffirming its stance, the CUPP pledged to continue its advocacy through legal means, peaceful protests, and public engagement.
“Democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and the protection of dissenting voices. We cannot allow intimidation and false accusations to erode these values,” the coalition said.
The CUPP emphasized that its fight to protect Ugochinyere is critical to defending Nigeria’s democratic principles. It declared its commitment to justice, equity, and accountability, insisting that the struggle to safeguard these ideals must persist.
