PDP Leaders Warn of Rising Political Violence and Intimidation in Ebonyi State

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has raised concerns over increasing political violence in Ebonyi State. They reported threats, abductions, targeted killings, and attacks on opposition members. The forum issued a statement urging federal security agencies to investigate these incidents and called for international election observers to monitor the situation as the 2027 general elections approach.

Chairman Austin Nwachukwu condemned what he described as a deliberate effort to undermine democracy through unlawful detentions and property destruction. He emphasized that public authority should not be used to intimidate one political party while favoring another. The forum believes that a healthy democracy depends on equal protection under the law and open political participation.

The group urged several officials, including Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu, to take swift action to protect citizens and restore public trust. They specifically called for the Inspector-General of Police to set up an impartial panel to investigate the reported violence and for the Department of State Services to conduct a thorough security assessment of the situation.

Additionally, the forum appealed to the international community, including the United Nations and African Union, to monitor human rights and democratic freedoms in Ebonyi. They documented a series of violent incidents and criticized the police’s response to opposition complaints, describing it as unsatisfactory.

The statement raised ethical concerns over a reported arrangement between the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police and a hotel allegedly owned by Governor Nwifuru. While this does not prove bias, the forum believes it warrants clarification to maintain public confidence in police neutrality.

Moreover, they pointed out that rival political factions have easier access to public spaces, while PDP gatherings face restrictions. The forum concluded by urging Governor Nwifuru to denounce political violence and cooperate with independent investigators.

In response, the Ebonyi State Police Command dismissed the allegations of political bias. Police Public Relations Officer SP Joshua Ukandu stated that the command, under Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor, remains politically neutral and responds to all security threats professionally.