The office said the allegation was “a recycled script of political propaganda” aimed at misleading the public, stirring sentiments, and diverting attention from substantive national issues.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The media office of former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has dismissed allegations linking him and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to an alleged plot to undermine opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ihedioha Media Office faulted a report by Sahara Reporters, which cited one Igboayaka O. Igboayaka as accusing both politicians of acting as “moles” within the opposition.
The office said the allegation was “a recycled script of political propaganda” aimed at misleading the public, stirring sentiments, and diverting attention from substantive national issues.
Defending Ihedioha’s political credentials, the statement described him as “a committed democrat and principled statesman,” insisting that he has consistently supported credible opposition politics and remained an advocate for equity, fairness, and the interests of the South-East.
It argued that attempts to portray the former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives as working against opposition interests were “laughable” and an insult to Nigerians familiar with his record in public service.
The media office further alleged a pattern of repeated attacks, claiming that similar accusations had been circulated in previous election cycles, including a 2022 claim accusing Ihedioha of engaging in “slavery politics,” which it said had since been discredited.
According to the statement, the recurring narratives are being orchestrated by “a small group of political actors in Imo State” who, it claimed, are unable to match Ihedioha’s grassroots support and political influence.
Highlighting his recent political engagements, the office pointed to Ihedioha’s participation in a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress in Enugu, where he reportedly urged the South-East electorate to register massively with the party as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s political relevance.
The statement added that Ihedioha had also expressed support for advancing the presidential ambition of Peter Obi under what it described as a credible democratic platform, noting that this position contradicts claims of sabotage.
While urging Nigerians to disregard the allegations, the media office called on media organisations to verify claims before publication, particularly when sourced from individuals it described as having a history of spreading disinformation.
It maintained that Ihedioha would not be distracted by what it termed a smear campaign, reiterating his commitment to democratic development, good governance, and national progress.