Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State, has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Charles Nwazojie, Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, who was allegedly detained by operatives of the Agunechemba (Udo-Ga-Chi) security outfit.
In a statement issued through the Moghalu Campaign Organization, the party claimed that Nwazojie’s only “offence” was encouraging citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and mobilizing support for Dr. George Moghalu, the party’s governorship candidate in the upcoming November election.
The statement, signed by Onyebuchi Okoye, Special Assistant on Media to Moghalu, described the incident as “a brazen act of political intimidation.”
LP called on the Commissioner of Police in Anambra to intervene and ensure Nwazojie’s immediate release, while also demanding a thorough investigation to prevent the misuse of state-backed security outfits for political purposes.
The statement reads in part: “For fulfilling a basic civic duty, he was arrested, taken to Abagana Police Station, and unjustly detained—reportedly on the orders of operatives associated with the Agunechemba (Udo-Ga-Chi) security outfit.”
“It is important to state that the Labour Party paid an exorbitant sum of ₦50 million to the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) to meet all campaign publicity requirements. Therefore, there is no legal or moral basis for Hon. Nwazojie’s arrest unless the true motive is to intimidate supporters and silence opposition voices through a state-sponsored outfit.”
The party said it viewed the development as a “dangerous slide into lawlessness” and “a calculated assault on democratic principles.”
“At a time when insecurity continues to plague our communities, it is appalling that security agents are being used to target peaceful citizens for exercising their democratic rights,” the statement added.
LP also criticized the Udo-Ga-Chi outfit, introduced less than a year to the election, alleging it had now been turned into a partisan militia aimed at suppressing opposition and instilling fear in the electorate.
The party urged civil society organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, and the international community to condemn what it described as “creeping tyranny,” warning that silence could embolden agents of repression.
“Freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and political participation are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. No government or security agency has the authority to suppress them,” it said.
The statement further affirmed that Dr. George Moghalu and his running mate, Mrs. Ifeoma Okaro, remain committed to a campaign grounded in justice, dignity, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the party’s youth leader, Comrade Ekene Nnadi, also appealed to the Commissioner of Police to caution his officers and other state-sponsored security operatives against being used as political tools.
“We appeal to the Commissioner of Police to caution his men and other state-sponsored outfits not to serve as instruments for harassment or oppression of the opposition,” Nnadi said.
He specifically warned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Abagana to desist from any further acts of unlawful arrest, saying the party would no longer tolerate such actions.
