Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki
The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has expressed profound outrage over what it described as reports of alleged escalating threats, attacks, abductions, killings, unlawful detention and destruction of property targeting PDP candidates and supporters in Ebonyi State.
In a press briefing in Abakaliki, the forum in a speech titled “Democracy under siege in Ebonyi state”, condemned the alleged escalating political violence, and demanded urgent action and called for national and international scrutiny.
Chairman, Forum of People’s Democratic Party Chairmen and Chairman of PDP, Imo state chapter, Rt. Hon. Austin Nwachukwu lamented that the reported incidents, combined with restrictions on PDP activities and concerns about the impartiality of security agencies, raise serious questions about citizens’ safety, freedom of association and the integrity of the political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on the relevant authorities and the international community to take urgent, coordinated action to protect lives, investigate the allegations and preserve democratic freedom in Ebonyi State.
“The Forum is concerned by reports that, on 25 May 2026, Governor Nwifuru ordered the closure of the PDP State Secretariat, which was reportedly cordoned off by more than 150 security personnel.
The facility has allegedly remained sealed, preventing the PDP State Working Committee from accessing its offices.
“On 15 June 2026, the governor reportedly threatened to “consume any PDP member considered a threat to his re-election.
“On 1st September 2026, he directed his newly selected local government chairmen to deal mercilessly with the PDP in their respective jurisdictions.
On 1st August 2026: PDP members attending a rally at Ikwuator Idembia, Ezza South, were attacked, leaving 10 persons critically injured.
“A vehicle conveying journalists and several vehicles belonging to PDP members were attacked.
“On 4th August 2026: The residence of a 73-year-old PDP leader Chief Christopher Ngwuta, popularly known as Gbazuoagu, was attacked during a consultative meeting. His wife, Mrs Blessing Ngwuta, lost a four-month pregnancy following the trauma.
Nwachukwu called on Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru to reject political violence, threats and intimidation and clarify his reported statements concerning the treatment of the PDP and
disavow any suggestion that violence against political opponents is acceptable.
He urged the governor to ensure that public facilities are made available to political parties on fair,
transparent and lawful terms and clarify the legal basis for sealing the PDP State Secretariat and Jimo Guest House, and ensure that unlawful restrictions are lifted.
“To the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force, we demand that the Inspector-General, establish an impartial investigative team to investigate the reported attacks, threats, abduction, killing, armed robbery and destruction of property”, he said.
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