Ebonyi PDP: Governor Nwifuru Accused of 2027 Election Intimidation

• A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the All Progressives Congress and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru of intimidating opposition candidates and members.
• Allegations include barring candidates from campaigning, the detention of a women's leader, and the sealing of a youth leader's hotel in Ebonyi State.
• The PDP official claimed Governor Nwifuru ordered local government chairmen to "deal mercilessly" with PDP members, leading to injuries.
• The APC has consistently denied these allegations of political harassment at both state and national levels.
• Despite his claims of intimidation, the PDP leader stated he would support President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027 for reasons of equity.

The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party's state chairpersons has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of systematically intimidating its candidates and members in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party's state chairpersons has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of systematically intimidating its candidates and members in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Austin Nwachukwu, who chairs the forum of PDP state chairmen and also leads the party in Imo State, stated that PDP candidates in Ebonyi have faced torture and have been prevented from campaigning. He specifically highlighted that the PDP governorship candidate has been barred from entering Ebonyi due to threats allegedly issued by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Mr. Nwachukwu further alleged that Governor Nwifuru, an APC member, issued a directive to local government chairmen in Ebonyi State, instructing them to "deal mercilessly" with PDP members. These claims of political intimidation extend to specific incidents, including the detention of Chinyere Mwele, the PDP women leader in Ebonyi State, since October 15. Mr. Nwachukwu asserted that security agencies abducted and detained Ms. Mwele. Additionally, he reported that the hotel belonging to Mr. Abu, the PDP youth leader in Abakaliki, was sealed under state government orders because he declined to defect from the PDP to the APC. These actions, according to Nwachukwu, have created an environment where PDP members are fearful of attacks, with 10 individuals reportedly injured in previous incidents.

These allegations from Ebonyi State are not isolated, but rather reflect a growing pattern of alleged intimidation and suppression targeting opposition parties in various states governed by the ruling APC. The claims of Nigeria electoral misconduct 2027 align with similar accusations made on the same day by John Yakubu, the Nigerian Democratic Congress senatorial candidate for Edo Central, who accused Edo State officials and the APC of harassing opposition groups in that state.

Further underscoring this trend, the African Democratic Congress reported a threat last month from Jarrett Tenebe, the Edo State APC Chairman. Tenebe allegedly declared that "AK-47 fire" would be used against anyone obstructing the party's objective to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Allegations of restrictions on opposition activities have been a recurring theme since political maneuvering and the realignment of opposition camps began in anticipation of the 2027 polls. The APC has also faced criticism for the perceived weakening of the PDP, which reportedly led to an exodus of prominent figures from the party last year. The PDP's influence has steadily diminished since its loss in the 2015 presidential election, following 16 years as the federal ruling party and holding a majority of state governments.

Despite the persistent claims of political intimidation and harassment, the All Progressives Congress has consistently refuted such allegations at both national and state levels. In August, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State publicly denied any involvement of the ruling APC in attacks against opposition members and journalists within the state. This denial came amidst a period of heightened political tension.

Further reinforcing the APC's position, Valentine Okike-Uzo, who previously served as the Commissioner for Special Duties in Ebonyi State, stated in August on Channels Television's The Morning Brief that the political climate in the state remained peaceful in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Nationally, Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, dismissed claims made by former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal in September of the previous year. Tambuwal had alleged that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party were actively working to destabilize the opposition, a charge Morka categorically rejected.

Despite detailing numerous instances of alleged harassment and political violence against his party members in Ebonyi State, Austin Nwachukwu, the PDP state chairpersons' leader, expressed an unexpected stance regarding the upcoming presidential election. He affirmed his personal support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.

Mr. Nwachukwu justified his support for President Tinubu on the grounds of equity. He specifically referenced the eight-year uninterrupted tenure of former President Buhari, who hails from the North, as a precedent for his decision. This position, articulated amidst his strong allegations against the APC in Ebonyi, introduces a complex dynamic to the ongoing political discourse.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Nigeria, especially in Ebonyi State, should monitor these allegations of intimidation and harassment closely. Such claims could form the basis for electoral petitions challenging election results, human rights litigation against state actors, or criminal complaints regarding political violence, requiring legal counsel to prepare for potential disputes or defend against accusations.

Source: Original reporting via Channels Television