{From OUR POLITICAL DESK, Abakaliki}
Hon. Ituma Paul, the Chairman of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, is being accused of violating Section 132 of the Nigerian Electoral Act 2026 by allegedly leading assaults against the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the opposition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the area.
Reports suggest that the council chairman has declared he will not live to see members of opposition parties and has allegedly threatening to kidnap those campaigning for parties other than his own, the APC. He has purportedly committed to stifling all opposing political movements in Ohaukwu.
According to Section 132(a) of the Nigerian Electoral Act 2026, it is an offense to use or threaten force, violence, or intimidation to influence voting behavior, harm individuals, or obstruct candidates during their campaign. Offenders could face fines of up to ₦2,000,000 or prison sentences of up to three years upon conviction.
Despite these legal stipulations, Hon. Ituma is accused of flouting electoral laws by allegedly funding activities that disrupt the electoral process while claiming to be an influential figure in state politics.
In a press release from the APGA Ebonyi State chapter, the party stated their commitment to maintaining peace among their members while asserting that the ruling APC does not possess the monopoly on violence. They have decided to seek legal measures in response to provocations instead of resorting to illegal actions.
Highlighting the alleged violations by their local council leader, APGA communicated to security agencies that while they are enduring the supposed abuse of power from the Chairman, they will not accept any actions contrary to electoral laws and warned him to cease immediately or face consequences.
When reached for comment, the accused Chairman claimed he was unaware of the accusations and instead accused APGA members of attacking APC supporters and damaging campaign billboards throughout the local government area.
