The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has denied allegations that Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu recruited and mobilised youths to attack supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The allegation was made by the Abia State chapter of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), which accused Emetu of holding meetings with youths in different parts of the state as part of an alleged plan to organise attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group called on security agencies to investigate the claims.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, the Deputy Governor’s office described the allegations as false and baseless.

The office said Emetu had no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or organising youths to attack Tinubu’s supporters, APC members or any other person or group.

“The Deputy Governor has expressly stated that he has no involvement whatsoever in recruiting, mobilising, arming or otherwise organising youths to carry out attacks against supporters of President Tinubu, APC members or any other person or group,” the statement said.

The office challenged the TSG and its spokesperson, Mr. Enyinna Nwigwe, to substantiate the allegations by providing details of where and when the alleged recruitment took place, who attended the purported meetings and the identities of the youths allegedly recruited.

It also requested evidence linking Emetu to the alleged activities, details of any weapons allegedly procured or distributed, as well as documentary, audio, video, photographic or electronic evidence supporting the claims.

The Deputy Governor’s office further asked the group to provide the full context and source of any statement allegedly made by Emetu concerning President Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.

“If the Tinubu Support Group or … genuinely possesses information establishing these allegations, they are challenged to make such information available to the appropriate security agencies,” the office said.

It also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to invite Nwigwe to substantiate the allegations and provide whatever evidence he claims to possess concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.

The statement said Emetu was prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts.

The office maintained that the Deputy Governor rejected attempts to present political engagement and mobilisation as preparation for violence without supporting evidence.

It also said political disagreements should be addressed through engagement and persuasion rather than unsubstantiated allegations, calling for respect for the rule of law and evidence-based public discourse in Abia as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.

The statement added that Emetu remained focused on his responsibilities as Deputy Governor and on supporting Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration.

It said he would continue to engage with Abians peacefully and democratically while participating in lawful political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Asked about the action he intended to take, Emetu said, “This is the best I will be doing for now.”