A political dispute has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State over allegations that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is intimidating opposition figures through the use of state institutions and the judicial system.

The accusation was made by the Abia APC in a statement issued on Saturday by its Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru.

According to the opposition party, individuals who question government actions or demand greater transparency and accountability have allegedly faced harassment, intimidation, and legal challenges.

The APC claimed that several opposition members have been subjected to litigation and other forms of pressure for scrutinising the activities of the state government.

“We are aware of several attempts by the state government and its agents to intimidate, harass, oppress and, in some instances, use their influence within the judicial system to persecute Abians who dare to question government actions or demand transparency, accountability and improved governance,” the statement said.

The party further alleged that more than ten opposition members have been taken before courts in Abuja, Lagos, and Abia over issues related to calls for accountability and responsible governance.

Aguoru argued that the development was ironic, noting that Governor Otti built much of his political reputation as an opposition figure who openly criticised previous administrations at both state and national levels.

He maintained that the APC’s interventions have remained focused on promoting accountability, transparency, prudent management of public resources, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The party insisted that it would not be silenced and called on the state government to stop what it described as the use of the courts against political opponents and critics.

In response, the Labour Party dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless and lacking evidence.

In a separate statement, the LP Publicity Secretary, Iroegbu Emenike, accused the APC of engaging in propaganda and making unsubstantiated claims against the Otti administration.

According to him, asking individuals to provide evidence for allegations made against the government does not amount to intimidation or oppression.

“It is important to remind the Abia APC that nobody is intimidating them. Asking people to provide evidence for allegations is not intimidation. Demanding proof for accusations is not oppression. Inviting those who defame others to defend their claims in court is not harassment,” Emenike said.

He described Governor Otti as one of the most notable products of opposition politics in Nigeria, pointing out that before becoming governor, he spent years challenging governments and offering alternative policy ideas without resorting to what he termed unfounded accusations.

Emenike also criticised the APC’s understanding of opposition politics, stating that a credible opposition should provide constructive alternatives, factual critiques, and practical solutions rather than relying on allegations.

The Labour Party spokesman further referenced an earlier APC claim that the Abia State Government spent N5 billion to destabilise the party, noting that no evidence had been presented to support the allegation.

“The same APC publicly alleged that the Abia State Government spent N5 billion to destabilise their already fragmented and crisis-ridden party. Till today, they have failed to provide one single piece of evidence to support that claim,” he said.

He maintained that neither Governor Otti nor his administration is opposed to criticism but stressed that accusations of corruption or misconduct must be supported with verifiable facts.

According to him, Abians are capable of distinguishing between genuine governance issues and politically motivated attacks, urging critics to substantiate their claims rather than rely on speculation.