The Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has raised alarm over alleged attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to suppress opposition political activities in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The PDP noted the public remarks allegedly linked to the Ebonyi State Government regarding plans to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) covering the PDP State Secretariat in Abakaliki.
According to the opposition political party, “If eventually carried out, such action would not only amount to a direct assault on constitutional democracy and multiparty political participation, but would also represent a reckless abuse of executive powers capable of endangering political stability and democratic order within the state.”
Disclosing this in a statement titled: “RE: RISING CONCERNS OVER EXECUTIVE OVERREACH, POLITICAL INTOLERANCE, AND THREATS AGAINST OPPOSITION DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURES IN EBONYI STATE”, Hon. Chukwuma Igwe,
Chairman, PDP Ebonyi State and Prince (Hon.) Darlington Peter Onwe,
Publicity Secretary / Spokesperson
PDP Ebonyi State added that the party will not fold its arms or surrender democratic space to intimidation, harassment or executive recklessness.
The Party further emphasized that any unlawful attempt to interfere with, revoke, tamper with or politically target the PDP State Secretariat or any lawful structure belonging to the party shall be firmly resisted through every available constitutional, democratic, political and lawful means.
The statement read in part: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi State Chapter, hereby formally draws the urgent attention of security agencies, democratic institutions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, development partners, members of the diplomatic community and the general public to what has now assumed a dangerous pattern of political intimidation, executive intolerance and calculated attempts to suppress opposition political activities in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“Those who believe state power grants them unrestricted authority to intimidate opposition voices must understand that democracy is neither sustained by fear nor preserved through oppression. Political parties are not personal properties of governments in power, and neither is Ebonyi State the private estate of any political office holder.
“It is deeply unfortunate that at a time when Ebonyians expect governance focused on economic revival, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and employment generation, valuable state energy and public attention appear increasingly diverted toward political vendetta, intimidation and unnecessary confrontation against opposition forces.
“The PDP further notes with concern the growing climate of fear allegedly being orchestrated against opposition members and dissenting voices across the state through intimidation, harassment and abuse of state influence.
“Let it beclearly stated that democracy thrives on plurality, tolerance, and healthy political competition — not coercion, suppression, and misuse of state institutions.
“The PDP remains a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic history and the political development of Ebonyi State from 1999 till date. Ironically, many principal actors within the present administration, including Governor Ogbonna Nwifuru himself, politically evolved and attained prominence under the democratic platform and political opportunities created by the PDP.
“It is therefore both unacceptable and politically dangerous for any government that emerged from democratic structures to now appear uncomfortable with the very opposition culture democracy guarantees.
“Consequently, the PDP Ebonyi State Chapter calls on: The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; The National Security Adviser (NSA); The Inspector General of Police; The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS); The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Civil society organizations and democratic institutions; Members of the diplomatic community and development partners;
“To immediately take judicial and democratic notice of unfolding events in Ebonyi State and hold all relevant actors accountable for any action capable of undermining constitutional democracy and political stability.
“The PDP remains committed to peace, democratic engagement, and the rule of law. However, our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness, cowardice, or surrender in the face of political oppression.
“We therefore make it categorically clear that any action deliberately targeted at suppressing, intimidating, or unlawfully undermining the PDP and its democratic rights shall attract firm constitutional resistance and corresponding lawful political consequences.
“No government should test the limits of democratic patience of the people under a constitutional democracy.”