As Nigeria commemorates its 26th Democracy Day, the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing critique of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration, accusing it of lacking transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.
In a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the PDP said that despite the Uzodinma-led administration’s disregard for democratic norms, there is still an opportunity for redemption, with nearly three years left in his tenure.
The statement described the state of governance in Imo as disappointing and demoralizing, arguing that there is little cause for celebration among citizens. It accused the governor of running an administration marred by corruption, human rights violations, abuse of power, and erosion of institutional checks and balances.
The PDP condemned Uzodinma’s alleged undermining of the legislature and judiciary, saying the executive has been operating with impunity, sidelining the other arms of government. It noted widespread disillusionment among citizens due to administrative recklessness and a breakdown of the rule of law.
One of the party’s major points of concern was the prolonged absence of a substantive Chief Judge in the state, which it described as unprecedented. The position has remained vacant since November 16, 2024, and the party faulted the governor for unlawfully appointing Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge without due process. This move was declared null and void by the National Judicial Council (NJC), further denting the image of the state.
“For close to a year, Imo State has had no Chief Judge, meaning cases cannot be properly assigned, and several judicial functions have been stalled. This is a serious affront to democratic governance,” the PDP stated.
The party also decried the lack of transparency in the award of government contracts, accusing the administration of shutting down the Public Procurement Bureau and awarding contracts without public disclosure or legislative oversight.
Obiaku cited the re-award of the World Bank–Umuguma and Nekede–Iheanwa roads—originally contracted in 2020 for tens of billions—as evidence of massive fraud. He alleged that the roads remain incomplete despite repeated allocations, describing the situation as “the height of theft and sleaze.”
The PDP also criticized the governor for failing to conduct local government elections, instead appointing sole administrators. This, it said, has deprived communities of grassroots governance and the dividends of democracy.
According to the party, over ₦500 billion in local government allocations has been mismanaged under Uzodinma’s administration, with no visible development in rural infrastructure, healthcare, education, or welfare.
The statement recalled the 2022 killing of at least 14 young men from Otulu community by suspected state security operatives while returning from a traditional marriage ceremony in Awo-Omamma. Despite eyewitness accounts implicating a state-backed militia known as Ebubeagu, the government claimed the victims were terrorists killed in a DSS operation—claims the community strongly refuted.
The party also cited a more recent incident in Agwa community, Oguta LGA, where over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen, lamenting the administration’s continued silence and lack of empathy.
“From extrajudicial killings to rampant insecurity and silence in the face of community tragedies, the Uzodinma government has consistently shown disregard for the people and the principles of democracy,” Obiaku stated.
Despite its criticisms, the PDP urged citizens not to give up on democracy, assuring them that Uzodinma’s administration is only temporary.
“We encourage Imo people to remain engaged in the democratic process. The current regime will pass, but our collective commitment to good governance must remain steadfast,” the party concluded.
