Ahead 2027: Government Accuses Opposition Of Plotting To Make Abia Ungovernable With “Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop” Protest 

*APC: Allegation, Unfounded, Diversionary

Tension is growing in Abia State where the government has alleged that the opposition was plotting to stage a violent protest, with the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) vehemently denying being part of the alleged plot.

Abia State government on Friday, raised the alarm over alleged planned violent protest by unnamed opposition political actors, which it feared, may lead to breakdown of law and order across the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said in a statement in Umuahia, that “intelligence available to Abia State government has confirmed plans by some political actors in Abia to sponsor some miscreants from Aba and neighboring states to embark on a protest they tagged “Tinubu Dey Work,Otti Dey Chop.”

Ekeoma said the theme of the protest is a false narrative which some members of the opposition have been pushing for several months, and “which is about to be elevated to a violent protest” is meant to feed the public with the false information that the federal government has paid for the construction of federal roads and other projects executed by Abia State government in the State.

The Governor’s aide emphasized that though the State government recently cleared the air on the matter of federal government reimbursing the state for reconstructing federal government roads, to the effect that the FG had stopped refunds, ‘the enemies of Abia people intend that this protest would lead to a conflict between their hirelings and the State Task Force in Aba.

He feared that such conflict “could result to possible killings, with attendant reprisals, thus creating an atmosphere of violence and breakdown of law and order, with a view to making the state ungovernable ahead of the 2027 elections.”

He warned that government would ensure that those involved in the plot “will pay a heavy price beyond their imagination,” as government “would come (down) very hard on any person or group of persons who attempts to put the lives of Abia people in harm’s way in the name of political opposition.”

Government, therefore, called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards “against involvement in any form of politically-sponsored protest in the state, because it would come with a regret.”

The Governor’s aide assured Abians that “government, in line with democratic principles, shall continue to ensure that the state remains peaceful and the political space open for all to pursue their different political interests and ambitions, devoid of threats and intimidation.”

Reacting to the allegation, Abia APC strongly denied being part of any plot to destabilize the state.

The party stated unequivocally “that the APC in Abia State is not aware of, nor is it involved in, any planned protest.”

The APC, according to a statement by the Abia State chapter Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, “is a responsible and law-abiding political party that does not engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace or undermining the security and wellbeing of citizens.”

“Our party, both within Abia State and nationally, is not known for orchestrating protests or encouraging civil unrest. On the contrary, our track record reflects a commitment to lawful engagement, constructive opposition, and responsible political conduct,” Aguoru maintained.

According to the Publicity Secretary, by making the allegation, the government itself be plotting to precipitate crisis. “The present alarm raised by the Abia State government may, itself, be part of a staged narrative designed to manufacture a crisis, shift blame to the opposition, and ultimately distract from legitimate public scrutiny over governance issues.”

He equally alluded that the government’s claim may be “a deliberate ploy to divert public attention from the mounting concerns over governance failures,” adding that “in recent months, citizens of Abia State have become increasingly vocal, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the management of state finances.”

He maintained that as a party committed to democratic principles, the APC would continue to engage constructively, responsibly, and peacefully in holding the government accountable.

“We categorically reject any association with protests or activities that may jeopardize public order,” he stated.