Breaking News: Tension in Aba as Masked Men Disrupt Labour Party Meeting, Attempt to Arrest Party Official
A tense atmosphere gripped Aba on Saturday when masked men, suspected to be police officers, stormed a Labour Party (LP) meeting, causing a major disruption. Over 20 masked individuals entered the venue, demanding silence from party members in a scene that sparked confusion and fear among attendees.
The drama escalated when five of the masked men approached the high table and confronted the Labour Party’s Local Government Election Committee Secretary, Prince G.O. Ndubueze, informing him of his arrest. However, party members quickly challenged the masked men, insisting they produce a warrant for the arrest, which was not presented.
In a show of solidarity, more than 500 Labour Party members accompanied Ndubueze to the Aba Area Police Command, demanding an explanation for the attempted arrest. The incident has sparked outrage within the party, with Ndubueze accusing Abia State Governor Alex Otti of attempting to intimidate Labour Party officials ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 2.
Ndubueze, speaking after the incident, expressed his resolve to resist any form of intimidation. "I didn’t receive any warrant of arrest, and I don’t even know whether they are policemen. But as a law-abiding citizen, I’m going with the police. However, I will never bow to intimidation from Gov. Alex Otti. We won’t allow him to impose candidates in this local government election,” he stated.
Ndubueze accused Governor Otti of trying to manipulate the electoral process by imposing candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions, despite having come to power through a legitimate election himself.
The Labour Party in Abia State has vowed to resist any form of imposition in the upcoming elections.