The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has denied allegations by the Abia State chapter of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) that Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu is recruiting and mobilising youths to attack supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The TSG had alleged that Emetu was holding meetings with youths across communities in the state, particularly in Abia North, as part of plans to mobilise them for attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group called on security agencies to investigate the claims.

In a statement, the Deputy Governor’s office described the allegations as false and unfounded, insisting that Emetu has no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or organising youths to attack Tinubu supporters, APC members or any other person or group.

The office challenged the TSG and its spokesperson, Mr. Enyinna Nwigwe, to substantiate the allegations by providing details of where and when the alleged recruitment took place, the locations and dates of the purported meetings, and the identities of those who allegedly attended them.

It also asked the accusers to identify at least one youth allegedly recruited by the Deputy Governor and provide evidence linking Emetu to the alleged activities.

The Deputy Governor’s office further demanded clarification on the alleged weapons, including where they were reportedly procured and who allegedly procured or distributed them. It also challenged the group to produce any documentary, audio, video, photographic, electronic or other evidence supporting its claims.

On an alleged statement attributed to Emetu concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, the office asked the accusers to provide the complete context and source of the statement.

The office said that if the Tinubu Support Group or Nwigwe possesses information supporting the allegations, such information should be submitted to the appropriate security agencies.

It specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to invite Nwigwe to substantiate the claims and provide whatever evidence he says he possesses concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.

The Deputy Governor, according to the statement, is prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts.

The office maintained that Emetu has nothing to fear from a lawful investigation, but rejected what it described as attempts to substitute unsubstantiated political allegations for evidence.

It further argued that political disagreements should be addressed through political engagement and persuasion rather than allegations that have not been substantiated.

The statement called for responsible political engagement, respect for the rule of law and evidence-based public discourse in Abia State as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Emetu, the statement added, remains focused on his responsibilities as Deputy Governor and on supporting the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti.

The Deputy Governor’s office said Emetu would continue to engage Abians peacefully and participate in lawful political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.