By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has alleged a plot by a faction within the opposition and certain security agencies to arrest and frame its spokesperson and Imo lawmaker, Hon. Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu, popularly known as Ikenga Imo.

At a press conference in Abuja, CUPP’s Secretary-General, High Chief Peter Ameh, and co-spokesman, Comrade Mark Adebayo, described the alleged scheme as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The coalition claimed that the plot involves training false witnesses to accuse Ugochinyere of bribery, criminal defamation, subversion, and treason. They linked the plan to Ugochinyere’s exposure of alleged illegal activities and reckless allocations within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which they said implicate key figures in the accused faction.

The CUPP alleged: A faction seeks to destabilize Rivers State, hijack PDP leadership, and create political instability through the reinstatement of sacked lawmakers.

Security agencies are complicit, enabling the misuse of state institutions for political vendettas.

The plot aims to silence Ugochinyere for his vocal stance against misconduct within the PDP.

The coalition warned that any harm to Ugochinyere would be met with strong resistance through legal action and nationwide protests.

CUPP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the European Union, and UK foreign missions to intervene and urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and international observers to monitor the situation.

“This is a desperate, low-budget Nollywood production whose purpose has already failed,” CUPP said. “Ikenga’s commitment to speaking truth to power is God-given and cannot be silenced by intimidation, blackmail, or false allegations.”

CUPP emphasized that Ugochinyere had previously faced trumped-up charges of treason and terrorism during his election campaign but overcame them.

The coalition pledged to continue its advocacy through legal action, peaceful protests, and public engagement.

“Democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and the protection of dissenting voices. We cannot allow intimidation and false accusations to erode these values,” the coalition said.

CUPP reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding justice, equity, and accountability, stating that its fight to protect Ugochinyere is essential to defending Nigeria’s democratic principles.