The Action People’s Party (APP) has accused the Imo state government of political intimidation following an incident at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport involving one of its leaders, Chima Matthew Amadi.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Cajetan Duke, the party’s state publicity secretary, APP alleged that government agents restricted access to the airport’s private wing for an aircraft conveying Amadi.
The party said Amadi was on the same flight as Matthew Nwogu, a member of the house of representatives, when the incident occurred.
According to APP, the restriction was not accidental but a “deliberate and state-orchestrated” action allegedly carried out under the directive of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The party described the move as an attempt to harass and intimidate Amadi, insisting that it reflected what it called the government’s growing insecurity.
APP said the action ultimately failed to achieve its purpose, arguing that Amadi is a “man of the people” who has no issue using public facilities or interacting freely with citizens.
The opposition party further claimed that the airport incident fits into what it described as a broader pattern of harassment against opposition figures in the state.
It linked the development to the recent disruption of a civic reception organised by people of Ideato in honour of Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the house of representatives.
APP accused the state government of resorting to coercion and intimidation rather than engaging in democratic competition, describing the trend as dangerous for political pluralism in Imo.
The party urged the Uzodimma administration to redirect its attention to governance issues such as security, infrastructure, healthcare and economic opportunities, instead of what it termed political vendettas.
APP said it would remain undeterred despite what it described as sustained pressure on opposition leaders, adding that its commitment to democratic engagement and the people of Imo state remains unchanged.
