By Francis Ajuonuma
A political pressure group, the Abia Solidarity Forum, has alleged plans to implicate Labour Party chieftain and Bende Federal Constituency aspirant, Hon. Chima Anyaso, in what it described as politically motivated fraud allegations, through the misuse of security and anti-graft agencies ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Chijioke Okwuoha, claimed it had received intelligence suggesting that some political actors were preparing coordinated petitions and media campaigns to portray Anyaso as under investigation for financial crimes.
According to the group, the alleged campaign is designed to damage the businessman’s reputation, distract him from his political ambition and influence public opinion ahead of electoral activities in Bende Federal Constituency.
Okwuoha urged security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to resist attempts by politicians to use state institutions as tools for political battles.
“We have received credible information, which we presently treat as allegations, indicating that there are plans to misuse the credible names, processes and statutory powers of respected government institutions, including the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other public agencies, for political purposes through unfounded allegations.
“If these claims prove to be true, such actions would constitute an abuse of democratic institutions and undermine public confidence in agencies established to uphold justice, security and the fight against corruption.”
The forum stressed that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to lawful investigations, insisting that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be investigated strictly based on credible evidence and due process.
It warned that manufacturing allegations against political aspirants would amount to political blackmail capable of eroding confidence in democratic institutions and heating the political atmosphere ahead of the elections.
The group also appealed to political stakeholders in Abia State, particularly those holding influential national positions, to avoid actions that could destabilise the state’s political environment.
It alleged that after recent criticisms directed at Governor Alex Otti failed to gain traction, attention had shifted to individuals perceived to be close to the governor, including Anyaso.
The forum urged supporters of all political aspirants to remain peaceful and allow campaigns to be decided by ideas, competence and integrity rather than intimidation or alleged abuse of public institutions.
