PDP Says Ebonyi is for Everyone, Not Just One Party

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has stated that the state is not owned by any one political party. They called on residents to support democracy and their right to choose leaders in 2027.

Chukwuma Igwe, the state chairman of the PDP, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abakaliki.

Governor Nwifuru's Comments

The PDP chairman responded to comments made by Governor Francis Nwifuru during the inauguration of newly elected local government chairpersons and their deputies. The governor warned that he would remove local officials if the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost the 2027 elections in their areas.

"As a local government chairman, if you like, go and sleep so that another person will take over your house."

"You will not stop us (APC) from winning. But when we win, we will remove you," the governor told the newly inaugurated chairmen.

Chukwuma condemned the statement, calling it a threat to democracy and political opposition in the state.

"This is not a political joke; it is a clear call for hostility against citizens for simply choosing a party."

"We see this incitement for what it is: a call to violence and unnecessary conflict," he said.

The PDP chairman urged security agencies to act fairly and protect all citizens, regardless of their political choices.

He emphasized that the PDP would not back down or be silenced. He added that the party would use legal means to protect its members and their rights.

"The Ebonyi State PDP will not be afraid, and we will not be intimidated into silence."

"We reaffirm our commitment to resist any further attacks on our members or structures through every lawful means available to us," he said.

Chukwuma called on democratic institutions, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to pay close attention to the political climate in Ebonyi as the 2027 elections approach.

"Let it be clear that Ebonyi State does not belong to just one political party; its security system is not meant to serve only one political group. This principle is non-negotiable," Mr Chukwuma stated.

He also urged the people to decide on the state's leadership in 2027 through a process that is free, fair, and credible.