Nigeria’s opposition political parties, under the umbrella of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), have raised a serious alarm about a clandestine scheme to frame the coalition’s spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.
According to the coalition, the alleged plot involves framing him with accusations of bribery of judicial officers, criminal defamation, treason, and other fabricated offences, in an attempt to silence and blackmail him.
At a world press conference held in Abuja, the coalition’s central leadership, joined by CUPP secretary-general Peter Ameh, CUPP co-spokesman Comrade Mark Adebayo, and several pro-democracy advocates, issued a stern warning of dire consequences should their spokesman be harmed.
The coalition leaders accused political operatives of mobilizing underhanded tactics to discredit Ugochinyere, describing him as an incorruptible mouthpiece of the opposition. They vowed to confront these forces, stating that no human effort would deter him from his God-given task of speaking truth to power.
The CUPP further alleged that this plot, aimed at framing Ugochinyere with baseless accusations of bribing judicial officers, is a direct response to his outspoken criticism of attempts to hijack the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and weaken the broader opposition in Nigeria.
The coalition expressed grave concerns that such actions are part of a wider strategy to undermine Ugochinyere’s credibility and stifle dissent within the opposition.
“The fabricated allegations against him are unfounded and demonstrate the extremes some people will go to in their bid to maintain power and silence critical voices,” the coalition said.
“In light of these developments, we are calling for an immediate investigation into these allegations and the conduct of the implicated security agencies and their influential backers. Justice must prevail, and those who misuse their positions for political gain must be held accountable.
“We urge all stakeholders in the democratic process—civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and international observers—to closely monitor this situation.”
The CUPP also announced plans to mobilise supporters nationwide for peaceful protests to highlight the injustice.
According to the coalition, these protests will provide citizens a platform to express their dissatisfaction with the manipulation of state institutions for political ends.
“Democracy thrives on transparency and accountability. We will not stand idly by while efforts are made to undermine these principles,” the coalition stated.
“We call on all Nigerians who value democracy and justice to join us in this fight against tyranny and oppression. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard, loud and clear, against any attempts to silence dissent through intimidation or false accusations.”
The coalition pointed out that Ugochinyere had faced similar persecution in the past.
“He was previously charged with treason, arson, subversion, criminal defamation, terrorism, murder, and other heinous crimes—charges that were fabricated to prevent him from winning his election and speaking out. Yet he won the election in absentia, defeated all the false accusations, and continues to speak truth to power.
“If Ikenga was not cowed then, he will not be cowed now. This plot is from the same playbook used by intolerant dictators and, as always, it will fail,” the coalition said.
The CUPP concluded by affirming that the opposition family is mobilising to defend Ugochinyere on all fronts; in the court of public opinion, the legal arena, and through peaceful demonstrations.
“The opposition will stand united in protecting one of Nigeria’s most shining lights for democratic reform.”
