Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has denied allegations that he is recruiting or mobilising 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.

However, in a statement issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor on Monday, September 21, 2026, Emetu described the allegations as false, baseless and unfounded.

The Deputy Governor said he had no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or organising youths to attack Tinubu supporters, APC members or any other person or group.

His office challenged the TSG and its spokesperson, Mr. Enyinna Nwigwe, to provide evidence supporting the allegations, including details of where and when the alleged recruitment took place, the identities of those allegedly recruited and the people who attended the purported meetings.

The office also asked the group to provide evidence linking Emetu to the alleged activities, as well as details of any weapons allegedly procured or distributed and documentary, audio, video, photographic or electronic evidence supporting the claims.

It further challenged the TSG to provide the complete context and source of any alleged statement attributed to Emetu concerning President Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.

The Deputy Governor’s office said that if the TSG or Nwigwe possessed information capable of establishing the allegations, such information should be submitted to the appropriate security agencies.

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 claimed 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.

According to the Deputy Governor’s office, Emetu rejected attempts to present political engagement and mobilisation as preparation for violence without supporting evidence.

The office called for responsible political engagement, respect for the rule of law and evidence-based public discourse in Abia, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.

Emetu, it added, would continue to carry out his official responsibilities and support the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti while engaging with Abians peacefully and participating in lawful political activities.