Ebonyi PDP slams gov Nwifuru over 2027 threats, demands apology

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the actions of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, following his recent directive to newly appointed local government chairmen. The PDP's Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State, Darlington Peter-Onwe, made these allegations during a live radio program on Friday, claiming that Nwifuru's remarks could incite political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Peter-Onwe demanded that Governor Nwifuru either apologize or resign, arguing that his statements violated the fundamental principles of state policy, as outlined in Section 14 of the Constitution, which mandates the protection of lives and property. The governor's remarks came during the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected local government council chairmen and their deputies in Abakaliki.

In his address, Nwifuru accused the opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of harassing and intimidating political critics, and warned the opposition that they would face real threats at the right time. He further directed the newly sworn-in local government chairmen to ensure the dominance of the APC in their councils ahead of the 2027 elections, threatening removal from office for any failure to comply.

The PDP's reaction to Nwifuru's comments echoes the response of Abia State Governor Alex Otti when faced with similar circumstances. Otti addressed the issue openly by apologizing and taking responsibility for the disruption in the education sector, which demonstrated true leadership accountability. Peter-Onwe urged Governor Nwifuru to follow Otti's example and take responsibility for his comments, alleging that the rhetoric had already led to hostility against opposition members and media practitioners in the state.