Emetu Challenges TSG: Produce Evidence of Youth Recruitment for Violenc
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 accused the Deputy Governor of holding meetings with youths across parts of the state for the alleged purpose of organising attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group also called on security agencies to investigate the allegations.
But in a statement issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor on Monday, September 21, 2026, Emetu described the allegations as false, baseless and unfounded.
The Deputy Governor said he had no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or organising youths to attack supporters of President Tinubu, APC members or any other person or group.
The Office of the Deputy Governor challenged the TSG and its spokesperson, Mr. Enyinna Nwigwe, to provide evidence to support the allegations, including details of where and when the alleged recruitment took place, the identities of those allegedly recruited and the persons who attended the alleged meetings.
It also asked the accusers to provide evidence linking Emetu to the alleged activities, as well as details of any weapons allegedly procured or distributed and documentary, audio, video, photographic or electronic evidence supporting the claims.
The Deputy Governor’s office further challenged the TSG to provide the complete context and source of any alleged statement attributed to Emetu concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.
It said that if the Tinubu Support Group or Nwigwe possessed information capable of establishing the allegations, such information should be made available to the appropriate security agencies.
The office also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to invite Nwigwe to substantiate the allegations and provide whatever evidence he claimed to possess concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.
It stated that Emetu was prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts.
According to the statement, the Deputy Governor rejected what it described as an attempt to substitute unsubstantiated political claims for evidence or portray legitimate political engagement and mobilisation as preparation for violence.
It said Abia State required responsible political engagement, respect for the rule of law and evidence-based public discourse, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
The Deputy Governor, the statement added, would continue to carry out his official responsibilities and support the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti,while engaging Abians peacefully and democratically and participating in lawful political activit
