Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki
The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded pressing motion on the alleged escalating political violence in Ebonyi State.
Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the Chairman of the discussion board, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, alleged that democracy is below siege in the state and due to this fact referred to as for nationwide and worldwide scrutiny.
The Forum expressed profound outrage over stories of escalating threats, assaults, abductions, killings, illegal detention, and destruction of property concentrating on PDP leaders, candidates, executives, and supporters in the state.
According to Nwachukwu, “The reported incidents, mixed with restrictions on PDP actions and issues in regards to the impartiality of safety companies, increase critical questions on residents’ security, freedom of affiliation, and the integrity of the political surroundings forward of the 2027 common elections.
“Political disagreement mustn’t ever change into a justification for violence, and no Nigerian ought to undergo intimidation for belonging to a political celebration.
“The Forum is worried by stories that on May 25, 2026, Governor Francis Nwifuru ordered the closure of the PDP state secretariat, which was reportedly cordoned off by greater than 150 safety personnel.
The facility has allegedly remained sealed, stopping the PDP State Working Committee from accessing its places of work.”
He added: “On June 15, 2026, the governor reportedly threatened to ‘consume, destroy or kill’ any PDP member thought-about a menace to his re-election. On September 1, 2026, he directed his newly chosen native authorities chairmen to deal mercilessly with the PDP members in their respective jurisdictions.
“Following the governor’s directive, the Chairmen of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Mr. Paul Ituma, and Onicha LGA, Mr. Ikechukwu Ogboffia, went forward to warn of lamentable penalties for PDP members in their areas.
“On October 15, 2026, the PDP State Woman Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, was arrested by operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command below frivolous causes.
According to info out there to this Forum, she has remained in detention up to now.”
The PDP chief continued: “On October 20, 2026, Jimo Guest House, owned by one of the PDP youth leaders, Jimo Abu, was sealed by state authorities brokers. Mr Abu was kidnapped the next day and compelled to resign PDP membership and publicly declare help for Governor Nwifuru at gunpoint.
“On October 22, 2026, a gang of youths alleged to be brokers of the governor attacked safety personnel at Amaezekwe village in Ezza South LGA, ensuing in critical casualties. The circumstances require impartial investigation.
“The Forum has also received reports of the abduction and killing of Elder Onwe Obochi of Oshege village, Ohaukwu, following his attendance at a political meeting involving opposition members.”
He additional demanded that the allegations be totally investigated in order that anybody discovered accountable via credible proof should face the suitable authorized penalties regardless of political affiliation or official place.
The discussion board additionally demanded that the Inspector-General of Police set up an neutral investigative group to research the reported assaults, threats, abduction, killing, armed theft, and destruction of property.
“The Forum is worried by allegations that Governor Nwifuru’s administration has afforded APGA and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) entry to public areas for political actions whereas limiting or threatening or sealing non-public venues of PDP gatherings.
“We have additionally obtained allegations of a discreet political understanding between the governor and the NDC supposed to safe help from the political camp related to the NDC presidential candidate.
“The Forum is further concerned that the governor’s reported political arrangements could undermine President Tinubu’s re-election prospects, particularly as the Ebonyi State PDP governorship candidate, Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has openly indicated his support for the re-election of President Tinubu. These allegations require verification. Nevertheless, they raise important questions about equal access to public facilities, the impartial use of state resources and the freedom of political parties to organise themselves,” the Forum stated.
Police, nonetheless, stated search operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining 4 victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
