The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has raised the alarm over alleged escalating political violence, threats, abductions, killings and attacks on opposition members in Ebonyi State, calling for urgent investigations by federal security agencies and international scrutiny ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The forum made the call in a press statement condemning what it described as a growing pattern of intimidation, unlawful detention, destruction of property and restrictions on the political activities of PDP leaders, candidates and supporters in the state.
It called on Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu to take urgent measures to protect lives, investigate the allegations and safeguard democratic participation.
According to the forum, reports of attacks on opposition members and restrictions on party activities have raised concerns about citizens’ safety, freedom of association and the credibility of the political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement alleged that the PDP state secretariat was sealed on May 25, 2026, following an order reportedly issued by Governor Nwifuru, with more than 150 security personnel deployed to cordon off the facility. It claimed that the closure had prevented members of the party’s State Working Committee from accessing their offices.
The forum also alleged that the governor made threatening remarks against PDP members in June and September, including a reported directive to local government chairmen to deal harshly with the opposition party.
It further cited several incidents of alleged political violence, including an attack on PDP members attending a rally in Ezza South on August 1, which reportedly left 10 people critically injured.
The group also alleged that the residence of a 73-year-old PDP leader, Chief Christopher Ngwuta, was attacked on August 4 during a consultative meeting. According to the statement, his wife, Blessing Ngwuta, subsequently lost a four-month pregnancy following the incident.
Other incidents highlighted by the forum included an alleged attack on the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ohanaivo Federal Constituency, Igboke Felix Ogbonna, and his aides on August 16, as well as the reported destruction of property belonging to a PDP leader, Arinze Oyibe, in Abaomege on September 9.
The forum also alleged that armed groups disrupted a PDP political and economic summit at Veneza Hotel in Abakaliki on September 19, injuring participants and robbing attendees of valuables.
It further raised concerns over the reported arrest and continued detention of the PDP State Woman Leader, Chinyere Nwele, on October 15, demanding that the police disclose the legal basis for her detention and ensure compliance with due process.
The statement also alleged that Jimo Guest House, owned by PDP youth leader Jimo Abu, was sealed by government agents on October 20, before Abu was allegedly abducted the following day and forced at gunpoint to renounce his party membership and declare support for the governor.
The forum called for an investigation into the reported attack on security personnel in Amaezekwe village, Ezza South Local Government Area, on October 22. It also demanded an investigation into the alleged abduction and killing of Elder Onwe Obochi of Oshege village in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
On the conduct of security agencies, the forum expressed concern over what it described as an unsatisfactory police response to complaints concerning the alleged incidents.
It also questioned the reported accommodation arrangement involving the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police and Meritona Hotel in Abakaliki, which it alleged was owned by the governor.
While acknowledging that the reported arrangement did not, by itself, establish misconduct, the forum said it warranted clarification to protect public confidence in the independence of the police.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to establish an impartial investigative team to examine the reported attacks, threats, abductions, killings, armed robbery and destruction of property.
It also urged the DSS to conduct an independent security assessment of the alleged pattern of political violence and work with relevant agencies to prevent further attacks.
The forum asked the National Security Adviser to coordinate appropriate preventive measures and brief the Federal Government on the security risks, while urging President Tinubu to ensure impartial investigations and equal protection for citizens regardless of political affiliation.
It also 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 State.
The statement further raised concerns about alleged unequal access to public facilities for political activities, claiming that some political parties had been allowed to use public spaces while PDP gatherings faced restrictions.
It stressed that political alliances were legitimate in a democracy but insisted that public authority must not be used to intimidate one political party while facilitating another.
The forum urged Governor Nwifuru to publicly reject political violence, clarify the reported threats against PDP members, explain the legal basis for sealing the party secretariat and Jimo Guest House, and cooperate with independent investigations.
It maintained that all allegations should be thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable through credible evidence should face the appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of political affiliation or official position.
The forum concluded by urging the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, to remain focused and continue engaging residents peacefully as he seeks victory in the 2027 governorship election.
