The Deputy Governor of Abia State, 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 claimed that Emetu had been holding meetings with youths in different parts of the state to organise attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group subsequently called on security agencies to investigate the matter.

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

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

His office challenged the TSG and its spokesperson, Mr. Enyinna Nwigwe, to produce evidence supporting the allegations, including the location and dates of the alleged recruitment activities, identities of persons allegedly recruited and names of those who attended the purported meetings.

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

It further asked the TSG to provide the full context and source of any statement allegedly made by Emetu concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.

According to the statement, any information capable of substantiating the allegations should be submitted to the appropriate security agencies for investigation.

The Deputy Governor's office also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to invite Nwigwe to substantiate the claims and present whatever evidence he may have concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.

It said Emetu was ready to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts.

The office maintained that political claims should not be presented as established facts without supporting evidence, while legitimate political engagement should not be portrayed as preparation for violence.

It also called for responsible political engagement, respect for the rule of law and evidence-based public discourse as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.

The statement added that Emetu would continue to discharge his official responsibilities and support the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti while engaging with Abians peacefully and democratically and participating in lawful political activities.