PDP youth leader in Ebonyi reacts to Nwifuru’s threat against council chairmen

The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Leader in Ebonyi State, Francis Okechukwu, has criticized Governor Francis Nwifuru for threatening to sack the newly elected chairmen of local government areas in the state.

Okechukwu said Nwifuru’s comment was undemocratic and mocked the constitutional basis for local government areas in Nigeria.

While swearing in the new chairmen on Wednesday, Nwifuru warned, “If you don’t deliver your local government area for APC during the elections, you will be removed.”

On Sunday, Okechukwu spoke to journalists in Abakaliki. He condemned the governor’s heavy-handed approach, reminding him of the peaceful way he got into office.

He stated, “Walking the path of the Constitution is not weakness; it is strength. We will not be intimidated into silence or forced into submission. Our commitment is to the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the fundamental rights of every citizen to associate, campaign, and vote according to their conscience.”

Okechukwu urged PDP youths in the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State to remain peaceful and to stand against any form of violence or intimidation aimed at stopping them from exercising their rights.

He added, “We urge our members to resist every attempt to suppress legitimate political activity. Violence is not an option, but neither is surrender. We will defend our democratic space within the bounds of the law.”

The PDP youth leader also reminded Nwifuru of the important role of a state governor according to the Nigerian Constitution. He pointed out that a governor is the chief security officer and highest elected official in the state, expected to protect the rights of all citizens, uphold the Constitution, and maintain peace and fairness.

“A governor who threatens elected local government officials and directs them to crush the opposition has abandoned the moral and constitutional high ground required of that office. Leadership is not about instilling fear; it is about inspiring confidence through good governance,” he said.

Okechukwu warned that any attempt to turn local government chairmen into tools for political persecution would be met with strong resistance through lawful means. This includes seeking help from the courts, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the court of public opinion.

He called on civil society groups, traditional leaders, the media, and the international community to pay attention to the governor’s comments and help protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process in Ebonyi State.