Ebonyi: PDP chairmen seek Tinubu’s intervention over alleged political violence

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairmen has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the escalating political tension in Ebonyi state, alleging threats, attacks, abductions, killings and restrictions on opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum, through its chairman, Rt. Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, who is also the Imo state PDP chairman, made the call in a press statement, urging the President, Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to ensure impartial investigations into the reported incidents and guarantee the safety of political actors across the state.

Nwachukwu said the reported incidents had raised concerns about freedom of association, the safety of opposition members and the impartiality of security agencies, calling for national and international scrutiny of the political situation in Ebonyi.

The forum cited the alleged closure of the PDP state secretariat on May 25, 2026, which it claimed was cordoned off by more than 150 security personnel, preventing members of the party’s State Working Committee from accessing their offices. It also alleged that Governor Nwifuru made threatening remarks against PDP members in June and September, claims that require verification and a response from the governor.

The statement further listed several alleged attacks on PDP members and political gatherings, including an August 1 incident at Ikwuator Idembia in Ezza South Local Government Area, where it claimed 10 people sustained critical injuries. It also alleged that the residence of a party leader, Chief Christopher Ngwuta, was attacked on August 4, with his wife reportedly losing a four-month pregnancy following the incident.

Other incidents cited included the alleged attack on the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ohanaivo Federal Constituency, Igboke Felix Ogbonna, and his aides on August 16; the destruction of goods at the business premises of PDP leader Arinze Oyibe on September 9; and the alleged disruption of a political and economic summit at Geneza Hotel, Abakaliki, on September 19, 2026.

The forum also expressed concern over the reported arrest and continued detention of the PDP State Woman Leader, Mrs Chinyere Nwele, on October 15, 2026.

It alleged that Jimo Guest House, owned by PDP youth leader Jimo Abu, was sealed on October 20, 2026, and that Abu was abducted the following day and forced at gunpoint to renounce his party membership and declare support for Nwifuru.

The forum further called for an investigation into reports concerning the alleged abduction and killing of Elder Onwe Obochi of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

On the conduct of security agencies, the forum called for an independent review of police handling of complaints involving PDP members.

It also raised questions about an alleged accommodation arrangement involving the Ebonyi state Commissioner of Police and Re-Meritona Hotel, reportedly owned by the governor, urging the authorities to clarify the circumstances to protect public confidence in police impartiality.

Nwachukwu called on the Inspector-General of Police to establish an impartial investigative team, review Nwele’s detention, establish Abu’s whereabouts and investigate the reported attacks, threats and destruction of property.

The forum also urged the DSS and National Security Adviser to assess security threats and coordinate preventive measures, while asking Tinubu to ensure that political affiliation does not determine access to protection under the law.

The PDP chairmen further appealed to the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, diplomatic missions and international human rights organisations to monitor credible reports of political violence and restrictions on democratic freedoms in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 elections.

They urged Nwifuru to reject political intimidation and ensure that political parties enjoy fair and lawful access to public facilities.

The statement also raised allegations of unequal treatment of political parties, claiming that APGA and the Nigeria Democratic Congress had enjoyed access to public spaces while PDP activities faced restrictions.

It said allegations of political understandings involving the governor and the NDC required verification, adding that political alliances must not be used to deny other parties equal opportunities to organise.

The forum urged the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, to remain focused and undeterred in his engagement with the electorate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, constitutional democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights, insisting that political differences should be resolved through dialogue and the ballot box rather than intimidation or violence.