Obi’s Town Hall Venue Marked for Demolition, Imo Govt Faces Backlash

Obi’s Town Hall Venue Marked for Demolition, Imo Govt Faces Backlash

The Imo State Government has faced public criticism after a private event centre in Owerri was marked for demolition shortly after hosting Peter Obi’s political gathering.

Foret Events Centre, situated along Port Harcourt Road near Concord Junction, New Owerri, was reportedly sprayed with red paint bearing a government notice demanding ownership documents.

The inscription directed the management to present its title documents and ground rent payment evidence within 48 hours, warning of action by the state government.

The development came just ten days after the facility hosted a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), attended by presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Held on October 31, the gathering attracted party leaders, supporters and residents who turned out to hear Obi address political and governance issues affecting Nigerians.

During the meeting, the former Anambra State governor criticised President Bola Tinubu, claiming he had not spent a single night in Imo since assuming office.

Photographs and videos showing the red markings subsequently circulated online, triggering widespread reactions from Nigerians who questioned the government’s timing and intentions.

Several NDC supporters described the development as political intimidation, alleging that the event centre was being targeted because its owners accommodated an opposition gathering.

Others warned that such actions could discourage business owners across the South-East from providing facilities for political meetings involving opposition parties and their supporters.

They argued that the timing raised legitimate questions, particularly because the notice appeared shortly after Obi’s meeting attracted considerable public attention in Owerri.

However, the allegations of political interference remain unverified, as no official explanation has established a connection between the government’s action and the opposition gathering.

As of Wednesday, November 11, the Imo State Government had not publicly explained the specific grounds for marking the property or confirmed any demolition order.