The Imo State Chapter of the Action Peoples’ Party, APP, has raised the alarm over the invasion of its aecretariat in Owerri by suspected political thugs in the early hours of Sunday.

The party described the incident as a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law, and peaceful political participation in Imo State.

lt said the incident occurred at about 6:10 am when a group of heavily armed individuals in a commando manner, scaled the perimeter fence of the secretariat and forcefully gained access to the premises.

The party stated that it has also received reports from eyewitnesses alleging that the group was led by an aide to the governor of lmo State alongside some of his associates.

According to the eyewitness accounts, the individuals allegedly vandalised party property, including the destruction of the party’s billboard and other campaign materials mounted within the premises of the secretariat.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Steve Nnamdi and made available to newsmen in Owerri.

“The Action Peoples’ Party views this alleged act as a disturbing development capable of undermining the peaceful political atmosphere currently existing in the state,” the statement said.

The party expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of politically motivated intimidation, following similar incidents reportedly recorded at  Umuoyima in Owerri Municipal Council,  and at Arondizuogu in Ideato North LGA.

The Imo APP therefore called on relevant security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to immediately commence a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into these allegations.

The party insisted that anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or political affiliation, should be made to face the full weight of the law.

“Every registered political party has the constitutional right to conduct its lawful activities without fear, intimidation, harassment, or unlawful interference.”

The APP appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma and all security agencies to urgently intervene by calling all political actors and government officials to order.

“It is imperative that every political party is provided with a level playing field to freely engage in legitimate political activities as preparations for future elections continue across the state,” the statement added.

The party urged all its members, supporters and the general public to remain calm, law abiding and refrain from any form of retaliation while allowing the appropriate security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Nigeria Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has opened up on his impression of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, ahead of the 2027 election.

Obi disclosed that nobody can decide for Amupitan on whether he would do the right thing or not in the election.

He spoke in an interview in Germany while responding to a question about his impression of the INEC Chairman.

Stressing that he’s yet to have any personal encounter with Amupitan since he was appointed the head the electoral umpire, Obi said: “I have not met him yet and for me he’s a referee and you can’t decide if a referee will do the right thing or the wrong thing.

“We are telling the youths that it’s about their future, we want a better future because they have a right to a better future and that’s what I’m doing everyday.

“You cannot allow this process to continue, it’s a great country that can be turned around, a country that has the resources to be better.

“Again, if Nigeria is doing well today, it’s not only ben focal to Nigerians, it’s beneficial to Europe because you are the closest people to us . If Nigeria today is booming, then German companies will do more businesses in Nigeria.”

Obi also noted that Nigerians can choose against doing the wrong thing during the 2027 elections.

“In whatever role they play, the people can decide otherwise, If the people decide that they won’t do the wrong thing, they won’t do the wrong thing; it’s about the people.

“I have seen systems change from the time I became governor till today, I have seen people say that we can’t have this,” he added.

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu is behind Bola Oyebamiji, the party’s candidate in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Oyintiloye spoke on Sunday in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area, while dismissing a report alleging that the President and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had abandoned Oyebamiji.

Addressing journalists during a campaign tour of communities in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, he described the report as false, and a handiwork of desperate opposition elements seeking to create division within the APC.

According to him, “President Tinubu and Oyetola remain fully committed to the party’s success in Osun and are closely monitoring the campaign while providing the political leadership and strategic support required for victory.

“President Tinubu and our leader, Oyetola, have never relented in their support for Oyebamiji.

“Anyone suggesting otherwise is spreading falsehood to mislead the public. The APC remains united, focused, and determined to reclaim Osun.”

The former lawmaker said the party’s leadership at the national and state levels were working hard to deliver Osun for APC, and urged members of the party not to be distracted by propaganda.

He added that prominent party leaders in the state, including Chief Bisi Akande, the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, among others, were also committed and working round the clock to ensure victory for the party.

He urged party faithful across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office to intensify grassroots mobilisation, engage voters and highlight the achievements of the Tinubu and Oyetola administrations alongside Oyebamiji’s development blueprint.

Oyintiloye also cautioned the opposition against violence, intimidation and other forms of lawlessness capable of undermining the electoral process.

“Maiming, extrajudicial killings and other forms of politically motivated violence aimed at creating fear and suppressing the will of the people must be firmly rejected,” he said.

He also stressed the need for an issue-based campaign anchored on credible ideas and practical solutions, insisting that voters should be allowed to exercise their rights freely in a peaceful atmosphere.

“The election will not be won only on social media. We must continue to engage our people at the grassroots, visiting every community, polling unit and household with our message of hope and responsible governance,” he said.

He urged party members to remain united and work collectively towards victory in the August 15 election adding that from all indications, Osun APC will return to power in the next governorship poll.

“The victory of Oyebamiji is a collective project. With the support of President Tinubu, the leadership of Oyetola, the commitment of party stakeholders and the support of the people of Osun, the APC is firmly on course for victory,” he said.