The battle for political space in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general election is already taking a contentious turn, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) trading allegations over the procurement of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The PDP alleges that the state government and APC are plotting to use claims of illegal PVC dealings as a pretext to harass, arrest and intimidate opposition members. The party says such actions could weaken political opposition ahead of the elections.
But the APC and the government have rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and challenging the PDP to provide evidence of any planned arrests or intimidation.
The controversy took a sharper turn when Stanley Okoro Emegha, APC State chairman, alleged that some PDP members had already been arrested over the alleged purchase of voters’ cards. He said the matter followed a petition concerning an individual allegedly sent to buy PVCs from residents, including elderly women.
The PDP, through Darlington Onwe, the Publicity Secretary, also raised concerns over an alleged attack on journalists and party supporters during a political event in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing it as part of a broader atmosphere of political intimidation.
For the APC, however, the PVC controversy is about protecting the integrity of the electoral process. Emegha argued that voters should retain their PVCs and questioned why anyone would pay N5,000 to obtain them.
As the two major parties trade accusations, the PVC dispute has become another flashpoint in Ebonyi’s emerging 2027 political contest, raising questions about voter freedom, electoral integrity and the need for all parties to play by the rules.
With the election still months away, the unfolding controversy suggests that the political temperature in Ebonyi may continue to rise as the major parties position themselves for 2027.