Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over Intimidation As Armed Men Disrupt Constituents’ Reception.

The lawmaker expressed outrage at the presence of heavily armed security operatives who cordoned off the approved venue, describing the action as unjustified and inappropriate in a democratic society. He warned that such developments could signal what may unfold in future elections if urgent steps are not taken to safeguard democratic processes.

Ugochinyere stated that the 2027 general election would be difficult to manipulate by what he termed anti-democratic forces who, according to him, derive satisfaction from undermining the will of the people. He insisted that any attempt to interfere with the electoral process in his constituency would be firmly resisted within the bounds of the law.

The reception, initially scheduled to hold at Central School 2, Aforukwu, Isiekenesi, was eventually relocated to the private residence of a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ideato South, Chief Bonny Ebili, after armed security operatives, accompanied by an Armoured Personnel Carrier, reportedly took over the school premises.

Addressing his supporters at the alternative venue, Ugochinyere said the people of Ideato would deploy every lawful means to resist intimidation and harassment. He also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to delivering basic amenities and infrastructure to his constituency, despite what he described as deliberate distractions from political opponents.

He alleged that the Imo State Police Command, alongside the state government, sealed off the venue just hours before the event without provocation, adding that the development forced his supporters onto the main road. He described the action as a worrying sign of democratic decline, stressing that the incident occurred outside an election period.

The lawmaker further claimed that the reception was organised solely at the request of his constituents, which he said was within their constitutional rights. He alleged that despite prior communication with the authorities, security operatives were deployed from Owerri to block the event instead of engaging in dialogue.

Ugochinyere said while his supporters had shown restraint and maturity, they would not surrender their constitutional rights under any circumstances. He called on the Inspector General of Police to urgently intervene and review the conduct of the Imo State Police Command.

He appealed to Nigerians and advocates of democracy to remain vigilant and prevent any actions capable of eroding democratic values, warning that if a peaceful civic reception could be obstructed, then democracy itself was under serious threat.