PDP raises alarm over alleged political violence in Ebonyi ahead of 2027, demanding investigations as police insist they remain politically neutral
The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has raised concerns over alleged political violence, abductions, killings and intimidation of opposition members in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The forum called on President Bola Tinubu and federal security agencies to investigate the reported incidents and ensure the safety of political actors in the state.
In a statement signed by its chairman and Imo State PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, the group alleged that PDP leaders, candidates and supporters had faced threats, unlawful detention, destruction of property and restrictions on political activities.
“Public authority must never be weaponized to intimidate one political party while facilitating another,” the forum stated.
The chairmen urged Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Security Adviser to take urgent steps to address the allegations.
The forum expressed dissatisfaction with the police response to reported attacks on opposition members and called for an independent investigation into the incidents.
It also appealed to the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and international human rights organisations to monitor political developments in Ebonyi ahead of the elections.
The group further raised concerns over an alleged accommodation arrangement involving the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police and a hotel reportedly owned by Governor Nwifuru.
While acknowledging that the alleged arrangement did not automatically establish misconduct, the forum said clarification was necessary to maintain public confidence in the neutrality of the police.
It urged the governor to publicly condemn political violence, ensure equal access to public facilities and cooperate with independent investigators.
The forum also appealed to the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, and his supporters to remain peaceful despite what it described as reported intimidation.
The chairmen stressed the need to protect political participation and ensure that opposition members could carry out their activities without threats or obstruction.
The allegations come as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with security and the freedom to campaign among the issues raised by the PDP forum.
However, the Ebonyi State Police Command rejected allegations of political bias.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, maintained that the police remained politically neutral and responded professionally to security threats across the state.
The police denial contrasts with the PDP forum’s concerns and calls for an independent inquiry into the reported incidents.
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The allegations against individuals and institutions have not been independently established in the information provided.
