The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has strongly condemned the arrest of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), describing it as politically motivated and demanding his immediate release.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, APGA’s state chairman, Chris Emmanuel, expressed concern over the incident, noting that the arrest was linked to the Ebonyi State Police Command despite occurring in Owerri, Imo State. The party joined voices with other Nigerian youths in criticizing what it termed an “unwarranted abduction.”
According to Emmanuel, APGA is investigating those behind the arrest and engaging with Igbo youth associations nationwide to determine who may have orchestrated the move.
“It is shocking that this abduction was traced to our state, even though the incident took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, in Owerri, shortly after Comrade Igboayaka was declared the winner of the Ohanaeze Youth Council’s fourth National Election Convention,” the statement read.
APGA suggested that the arrest might have been politically motivated, alleging that the Ebonyi State governor’s preferred candidate for the OYC presidency lost to Igboayaka. The party called on Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to publicly address the situation and provide clarity on the role of the state police in the incident.
“Sources before APGA indicate that this arrest was carried out on the alleged orders of Governor Nwifuru. As an opposition party in Ebonyi, we are closely monitoring developments and demand the immediate and unconditional release of the Ohanaeze Youth Council president,” the statement concluded.
The controversy surrounding Igboayaka’s arrest has sparked widespread reactions, with many calling for transparency and due process in handling the matter.
Comments