The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised alarm over the alleged arrest and harassment of one of its e-registration agents in Umuahia South Local Government Area, a claim strongly denied by the council chairman, Mr. Chinedu Enwereuzor.
The party’s stakeholders in the LGA expressed their displeasure in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting on Wednesday and read to journalists by Chief Chidi Nwosu. According to the statement, the APC agent, identified as Chidera Emenike, was allegedly arrested on January 24, 2026, while lawfully carrying out the party’s ongoing electronic revalidation and registration exercise at Ahiukwu Ward 1, Amizi–Olokoro.
The communiqué alleged that Emenike was detained at the Ubakala Police Division on the directive of the Umuahia South LGA chairman. Although the party confirmed that the agent was later released, it said the matter had been escalated to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Abia State Commissioner of Police.
Describing the incident as “unacceptable and a direct affront on APC as a political party,” the stakeholders warned against what they termed “continued intimidation and harassment” of party officials performing lawful duties in Abia and across the country.
The APC also used the opportunity to call on the council chairman to account for allocations received by the local government since he assumed office, alleging that no visible infrastructure projects had been undertaken within the period. The party urged Governor Alex Otti to “call his officials to order” to avert any potential breakdown of law and order in the area, while also encouraging party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and recruitment efforts.
Reacting to the allegations, Umuahia South LGA Mayor (Chairman) , Mr. Chinedu Enwereuzor, denied orchestrating any arrest or harassment of the APC agent. He maintained that the individual was only invited by the police for questioning in order to prevent a possible security incident in the community.
“Nobody was harassed, victimised or beaten,” Enwereuzor told journalists. “The lady was only invited and allowed to go immediately after interrogation.”
He explained that his action followed reports from residents that some individuals were moving around communities collecting Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) under the guise of APC e-registration, a development he said could spark unrest.
According to him, complaints from constituents prompted him to alert the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to intervene and ensure calm. He alleged that the form found in the agent’s possession bore the title “Federal Government Empowerment Form” and did not carry the APC logo.
“If you look at the form, you will see sections for name, email, ward, LGA, occupation, address, voter card and National Identification Number,” he said. “They do not only collect the NIN, they also take the voter cards from the people.”
Enwereuzor stressed that while his administration supports lawful political activities, it would not condone any action that could endanger residents or compromise their personal documents.
“We are not against APC e-registration. That is their business,” he stated. “What we are against is anyone going around collecting people’s voter cards. We say no to it and we will resist it.”
He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, adding that Umuahia South remains a stable and peaceful area under his watch.
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the matter.
The development has further heightened political tension in Umuahia South, as parties and stakeholders continue to trade accusations over the conduct of political activities and the protection of residents’ rights during ongoing registration and mobilisation exercises.
