The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has raised an urgent alarm over an alleged plot by certain security agencies, reportedly working in collaboration with a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to arrest and frame its Spokesperson and Imo lawmaker representing the Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu (popularly known as Ikenga Imo).
The Coalition, an umbrella of the Nigeria opposition political parties, accused the pro-Wike group of fabricating baseless allegations against Ugochinyere to silence him and undermine his outspoken resistance against their alleged political and legal misconduct.
Speaking at a world press conference held in Abuja, the CUPP leadership, alongside pro-democracy advocates, described the development as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The Secretary-General of CUPP, High Chief Peter Ameh, and the coalition’s co-spokesman, Comrade Mark Adebayo, joined other leaders to condemn what they called a “clandestine scheme to defame, tarnish, and stifle the voice of one of Nigeria’s most vocal and incorruptible opposition leaders.”
The CUPP alleged that the pro-Wike faction, in collaboration with complicit security agencies, had been training fake witnesses for over six weeks in Abuja to testify falsely against Ugochinyere.
According to the Coalition, these witnesses are being prepared to accuse him of crimes including bribery of judicial officers, criminal defamation, subversive acts, and treason. They claimed that this orchestrated campaign is intended to stop Ugochinyere’s continued exposure of the pro-Wike group’s alleged atrocities within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as their involvement in land racketeering in the FCT.
“This is a desperate, low-budget Nollywood production whose purpose has already failed,” the Coalition said in a strongly-worded statement, stressing that “Ikenga’s commitment to speaking truth to power is God-given and cannot be silenced by intimidation, blackmail, or false allegations.”
The CUPP alleged that the ongoing plot is tied to Ugochinyere’s recent exposé on reckless land allocation and illegal land-grabbing activities in the FCT, which has implicated key figures within the pro-Wike group. The Coalition had also accused the pro-Wike group of engaging in actions aimed at destabilizing Rivers State, hijacking PDP leadership, and using sacked lawmakers to perpetuate political chaos.
Expressing its dissatisfaction, the CUPP warned of dire consequences if any harm befell Ugochinyere. “The opposition family is mobilizing across the country to confront these political buccaneers. Any attempt to harm Ikenga will be met with strong resistance, not only in courts but also in the streets,” the Coalition declared.
CUPP announced plans for nationwide protests to draw attention to what it described as a gross misuse of state institutions to serve personal and political vendettas. It has also petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the European Union (EU), and UK foreign missions, urging them to intervene and ensure that justice prevails.
The Coalition emphasized that this is not the first time Ugochinyere has faced such persecution.
“He was previously charged with treason, arson, terrorism, and other baseless crimes to prevent him from winning his election. Yet, he triumphed and emerged victorious in absentia. If those trumped-up charges didn’t stop him then, this recycled plot will certainly fail now,” the group stated.
CUPP, which also comprises Nigeria’s opposition lawmakers, further reiterated its firm solidarity and support for Ugochinyere, and condemned the alleged complicity of some security agencies in the plot.
“This is an abuse of power, and those responsible must be held accountable,” the Coalition cautioned.
While valling on Nigerians to join the fight against tyranny and oppression, CUPP also highlighted the importance of protecting democratic principles.
“Democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and the protection of dissenting voices. We cannot allow intimidation and false accusations to erode these values,” it noted, while also assuring Nigerians that it would remain resolute in defending Ugochinyere, whom it described as “a shining light for democratic reforms.”
The Coalition vowed to continue its advocacy through all lawful means, including public opinion, legal battles, and peaceful protests, to ensure that truth prevails. It also urged civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and international observers to monitor events closely, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at stake.
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