Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Imo State, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of Coalition for Good Governance and Grassroots Development, has raised an alarm over an alleged attempt to undermine the humanitarian outreach of a philanthropist and governorship hopeful, Dr. Chima Amadi in the state.
The coalition’s director of Politics and Communications, Dr. Princess Ukanwa, at a media briefing at the weekend, said there was a coordinated plan to intimidate and frustrate Amadi because of his increasing popularity and widespread humanitarian impact that have continued to attract mass support, especially among rural dwellers, youths, and indigent women across the 27 local councils of the state.
Ukanwa alleged ongoing covert efforts by state actors to frustrate Amadi’s scheduled empowerment programs in some local communities, including denials of access to public venues, security bottlenecks, and a surge in malicious online propaganda aimed at misrepresenting his reputation and intentions.
She said “We are deeply concerned by the growing intolerance for citizen-led development initiatives in Imo State.
“Instead of celebrating and supporting people like Dr. Chima Amadi, who have committed their personal resources to empowering the poor and deprived, the government appears fixated on tearing him down.
“The same anti-democratic playbook is being dusted off in Imo. It starts with subtle restrictions, then blackmail, then threats. We are calling it out early because the signs are clear”, she said.
According to them, Dr. Amadi’s track record in free medical outreaches, education grants, youth capacity-building programs, and micro-enterprise support for rural women were massive, saying his efforts were “more impactful than many government projects combined.”
Further, the coalition said attempts to blackmail or misrepresent Amadi’s work had so far failed, as the people continue to embrace him even more saying “each time they try to shut him down with propaganda, his outreach grows stronger. This is what now frightens the political establishment, they fear his message, the most,” the coalition noted.
They however warned that any escalation in hostilities against Amadi could signal a broader crackdown on other humanitarian actors across the state.
Meanwhile, the group has called on security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police, to protect Dr. Amadi and allow him continue his non-partisan humanitarian activities without harassment or sabotage.
Ukanwa said “Dr. Chima Amadi represents hope to thousands of forgotten families. Any attempt to restrict his outreach is not just an attack on him, but an assault on the basic dignity of the poor,” the coalition said.
