...Party demands comprehensive investigation

Some yet – to – be identified hoodlums in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, attacked the entrance of the Imo State secretariat of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).Young Progressives Party (YPP).

 

Consequently, the leadership of the party, under the chairman, Michael Anyanwu, has called on the security agencies to carry out a comprehensive investigation on the incident.

 

In a statement on Sunday by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiakor Bennett II, said some persons in an unmarked Siena vehicle arrived the entrance of the party about 3.30a.m., tore two imposing banners of the party erected at the front of the headquarters, attempted to destroy the gates in order to gain entrance, adding that they were repelled by the security agents.

 

The statement read: “The Young Progressives Party (YPP), Imo State Chapter, strongly condemns the attack on its State Secretariat located at Ama Wire, Orji, along Okigwe Road, Owerri.

 

“According to security personnel on duty, the incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, when an unmarked Toyota Sienna vehicle stopped at the entrance of the party secretariat. Some young men reportedly alighted from the vehicle and proceeded to tear down the party’s banners, which also serve as signposts identifying the location of the State Secretariat.”

 

The statement continued: “Two banners were destroyed during the attack. The assailants also attempted to force their way into the premises but were resisted and prevented from gaining access by the security operatives on duty.

 

“This unwarranted act of vandalism and suspected political intimidation appears to be a deliberate attempt to harass and instill fear in a political party that is steadily gaining acceptance and momentum across Imo State.

The party believes this to be especially true as no other organization or business’ signage was touched despite many in close proximity.”

 

Insisting that a comprehensive investigation must be carried to ascertain the culprits, the party stressed: “While the party cannot, at this stage, identify those behind the attack, it considers the incident disturbing and has formally reported the matter to the Nigeria Police. We expect a comprehensive investigation that will expose the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.

 

“The leadership of the party, under the Chairmanship of Rt. Hon. Michael Anyanwu, wishes to state unequivocally that the Young Progressives Party will not be intimidated, distracted or cowed by acts of political violence or intimidation. Rather, this unfortunate incident has strengthened our resolve to continue providing Imo people with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

 

Despite intimidation, the leadership of the party opined to present men and women of integrity for elective offices, “The YPP has continued to present men and women of proven integrity for elective offices and remains committed to its enduring philosophy of selfless service to the people.

 

“We therefore urge all our members and supporters across the state to remain calm, vigilant and focused. They should not be discouraged by this attack but should continue working tirelessly towards the growth of the party and the realization of a better future for Imo State.”

 

Calling on the police to intervene and do the needful, the statement maintained: “The Young Progressives Party calls on the Imo State Government, led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this attack, identify those responsible and take decisive steps to prevent similar attacks on the YPP and other political parties, particularly opposition parties operating within the state.”

 

Maintaining its stand to remain peaceful and law abiding party in the conduct of its affairs, the party resolved to strengthen democratic ideals, despite harassment.

 

”The YPP remains a peaceful, law-abiding political party. We shall continue to conduct our affairs within the confines of the law and remain committed to strengthening democracy through issue-based politics, responsible leadership and respect for the rule of law,” the statement clarified.