The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has petitioned the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Inspector-General of Police (IGPA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging threats to life, incitement to violence and attempts to destabilise the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
The petition, made available to The Nation and copied to the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, ECOWAS, Amnesty International and the Holy See, accused Governor Francis Nwifuru of a pattern of public threats and anti-democratic conduct. It was signed by state PDP Chairman, Chukwuma Igwe and Secretary, Henry Ngonu.
The party cited remarks attributed to Nwifuru at a political rally in Abakaliki on June 13, in which he reportedly threatened to ‘consume’ those who push him to the wall, describing it as a threat to its governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, his campaign team and other opposition supporters.
It also cited an earlier remark attributed to Nwifuru in May, threatening to demolish the party’s state secretariat on Old Abakaliki-Enugu Road: ‘Any structure being used to plot against the government and the people of Ebonyi will not stand. We will pull it down if it becomes necessary for the peace of this state.’
The PDP said the remarks violated constitutional guarantees on the right to life, freedom of association and freedom of movement, citing Sections 33, 40, 41, 77 and 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, Section 95 of the Electoral Act 2022, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The party called on security agencies to assess threats to Odii and his campaign structures, provide sustained protection, issue a formal advisory to Nwifuru on his constitutional obligations, and secure a public retraction and commitment to a peaceful electoral process. It said it was prepared to provide video evidence, affidavits and witness statements to support any investigation.
Contacted, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nwifuru, Monday Uzor, said he was unaware of the petition, while Commissioner for Information Ikenne Omebe could not immediately respond, saying he was at a rally when contacted.