PDP Chairmen Allege Escalating Political Violence, Opposition Intimidation In Ebonyi

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has raised an urgent alarm over an alleged wave of political violence, threats, abductions, targeted killings, and systematic attacks on opposition members across Ebonyi State.

In a press statement issued by the forum Chairman and Imo State PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, called for immediate investigations by federal security authorities and heightened monitoring by international election observers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group condemned what it described as a troubling and deliberate strategy to undermine democratic participation through unlawful detentions, property destruction, and severe restrictions on PDP leaders, candidates, and supporters.

“Public authority must never be weaponized to intimidate one political party while facilitating another.”

“A thriving democracy relies on equal protection under the law and open political participation,” the forum stated.

Addressing the alleged escalating tension, the forum urged Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to intervene swiftly to protect lives and restore public confidence.

Specifically, the forum called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately set up an impartial investigative panel to probe reported attacks, threats, abductions, killings, armed robbery, and property destruction.

It also called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct an independent, comprehensive security assessment regarding political violence in the state, saying that President Tinubu should mandate impartial security interventions and guarantee equal protection for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

Likewise, the group urged the international community to actively monitor the situation, calling on the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), ECOWAS, diplomatic missions, and international human rights organisations to scrutinise human rights and democratic freedoms in Ebonyi.

The forum documented a series of violent incidents and state-backed crackdowns which it said spanned mid-2026.

It expressed concern over the police department’s response, labeling its handling of opposition complaints as “deeply unsatisfactory.”

Furthermore, the group raised ethical questions regarding reported accommodation arrangements between the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police and ReMeritona Hotel in Abakaliki, a facility allegedly owned by Governor Nwifuru.

While acknowledging the arrangement does not automatically prove bias, the forum noted that “it raises severe ethical concerns and requires immediate clarification to preserve public confidence in police neutrality.”

Additionally, the statement highlighted unequal access to public infrastructure, noting that while rival political factions are granted seamless access to public spaces, PDP gatherings face alleged systematic bans and state restrictions.

Concluding its address, the forum urged Governor Nwifuru to publicly reject political violence, clarify his position on reported statements against the opposition, justify the legal grounds for sealing party assets, and cooperate with independent investigators.

“All allegations must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. Anyone found culpable through credible evidence should face the full weight of the law, regardless of their political standing or official position,” the statement read.

The forum praised the resilience of the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, encouraging him and his supporters to maintain a peaceful, focused approach as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.

In a swift response to the allegations, the Ebonyi State Police Command firmly dismissed claims of political bias or compromise.

​Speaking on behalf of the command, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor, the command maintains strict political neutrality and continues to respond promptly and professionally to all security threats across the state.