Rep Condemns Vandalism, Signals Exit From PDP

Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere has condemned the “systematic destruction” of his Christmas billboards across Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State.

The lawmaker spoke on Friday while addressing hundreds of supporters who paid him a solidarity visit at his Akwokwa country home, Ideato South.

He described the acts as “petty” and a reflection of a “political spirit of intolerance” within the state.

“I paid for these Christmas billboards,” Ugochinyere said, noting that the displays also carried the Action Peoples Party (APP) logo.

He warned that similar hostility in the past had led to the killing of one of his supporters.

The lawmaker questioned why “season greetings billboards” attracted anger from, allegedly, the state government and its agencies.

He urged the Imo State Signage Agency to realise that “provocative actions often carry consequences for political stability”.

Ugochinyere said “intolerance, attacks and unlawful detention” contributed to the collapse of Nigeria’s previous republics.

He called on President Bola Tinubu, security chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to closely monitor developments in Imo.

“I want the ongoing demolition of my billboards to stop because I paid for them,” he said.

The lawmaker recalled the alleged sealing of a venue chosen for a civic reception in his honour earlier in the week.

He queried the heavy security deployment used to block a “dusty primary school” venue approved for the event.

Ugochinyere warned that “overheating the security situation” could deepen national instability.

“Imo has started locking up public spaces meant for lawful events, despite payments and approvals,” he said.

In spite of the vandalism, the lawmaker said his popularity remained unaffected.

“My people do not love me because of billboards; I am in their hearts and minds,” he said.

Turning to politics, Ugochinyere announced he was concluding consultations to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He cited internal crises, legal disputes, leadership failures and neglect of his contributions as reasons.

“They treat us as if we are not important,” he told supporters.

He confirmed accepting constituents’ resolutions to “sever the relationship with the PDP” for collective interest.

Ugochinyere said Chima Amadi and Mathew Nwogbo would join the APP on Dec. 31.

He promised a “massive rally” to formally unveil his new political platform.

“We are exiting for good,” he said, unless a “magical” change occurs within days.

Ugochinyere stressed that his loyalty lay with constituents, not party logos.

He assured supporters that constituency projects would resume shortly.

The lawmaker said funding challenges had been resolved, ensuring continued development across Ideato communities. (NAN)