No Other Political Party Should Operate In Avu’ — Imo Councillor Caught In Video Destroying Opposition Banners

The political atmosphere in Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, has been stirred by the reported destruction of opposition party banners by a councillor representing Avu/Oforola Ward 1.

The councillor, Hon. Paschal Okoro, popularly known as Hon. Ajangwo, was reportedly seen in a video tearing down promotional posters and banners belonging to opposition political parties at Avu Junction.

While carrying out the action, Ajangwo reportedly declared, “No other political party should operate in Avu. We are marching on a state order that no political poster will be posted in Avu. I Ajangwo removed this banner of the AA. No other political party will operate in Avu."

The incident has generated criticism, with concerns raised over the implications of restricting the activities of opposition political parties in a community ahead of future elections.

Avu/Oforola Ward 1 is one of the wards in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The Independent National Electoral Commission lists the area as Ward 01 in Owerri West, with Central School Avu serving as one of the designated locations in the ward.

According to reports, the councillor, who serves as Chief Whip of the Owerri West Legislative Council under the All Progressives Congress (APC) physically dismantled banners mounted by rival political parties around the strategic Avu Junction.

The action has prompted calls for political actors and relevant authorities to ensure that members of different political parties are allowed to participate in political activities without intimidation.

Political analyst and constitutional rights advocates described the reported action as inconsistent with Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.

Residents at Avu Junction also expressed concern over the incident and called on the APC leadership in Imo State and the state police command to intervene to prevent possible political clashes.

A community stakeholder, who spoke anonymously, said, “The arrogance displayed today by political actors who think they control public space is the same fire that destroys democratic institutions tomorrow. The people will not remain silent forever when their political rights are infringed upon.”

The development comes amid heightened political activity and competition among political parties as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.

Opposition parties in the state have reportedly called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the Imo State Government to ensure that political parties are able to operate and campaign without intimidation.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no response from the APC leadership in Imo State addressing the criticism over the reported destruction of the opposition banners.