In a statement issued by Mr. Mark Adebayo, the National co-Spokesperson of CUPP, the coalition condemned this act as a deliberate attempt to hinder the campaign activities of opposition candidates.
CUPP called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to reverse this policy, emphasizing that if their warning goes unheeded, they will bring the matter to the attention of international bodies.
The coalition deemed the imposition of such unwarranted levies by a state governor as shocking, preposterous, and fundamentally undemocratic. They expressed concern that it could potentially undermine the integrity of the election, given that the governor himself is a participant.
CUPP vowed to actively oppose this anti-democratic move and stand up for the rights of all candidates involved. The coalition stressed the importance of fair and transparent elections, urging the government to foster an environment that upholds democratic principles and ensures a level playing field for all candidates.
The statement issued by CUPP underscores their strong disapproval of the Imo State government's decision to impose a hefty levy on opposition governorship candidates. They are determined to challenge this action and protect the democratic process from any attempts at manipulation or unfair advantage.
It further reads that, “We consider it a deliberate scheme to frustrate the campaign activities of opposition candidates in an election that Governor Hope Uzodimma already knows that he stands to lose due to the appalling records of his administration for the past four years in which Imo state has been turned into the killing fields of the East without any tangible development to showcase.
"Being a beneficiary of a compromised mandate, the Governor does not and is unable to appreciate the democratic praxis of engagement which has portrayed him as an enemy of democracy since his questionable ascension to office as Governor almost four years ago"
“We vehemently condemn this evil scheme of defrauding the opposition with an open agenda to frustrate our candidates. It is stated in the Imo state government’s memo that even payment of the N54 million is not a guarantee that you could be allowed to secure campaign premises or erect campaign billboards or paste campaign posters e.t.c.
