Ebonyi PDP Demands Apology From Nwifuru Over 2027 Threat

ABAKALIKI, Ebonyi — The Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded an apology from Governor Francis Nwifuru over remarks it said could heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition party’s demand followed comments made by Nwifuru on Tuesday, September 1, during the swearing-in of 13 newly elected local government chairmen and their deputies at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki. 

During the ceremony, Nwifuru dismissed allegations that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were harassing opposition politicians but warned that opponents would face what he described as “real threats at the right time.”

The governor also instructed the newly inaugurated council chairmen to ensure the APC retains control of their respective local government areas during the 2027 elections.

Nwifuru warned that any chairman whose local government failed to deliver an APC victory could be removed from office. Premium Times reported that the governor’s comments have raised questions about the relationship between elected council officials, local government autonomy and the political influence of state governors. 

The PDP subsequently condemned the remarks.

The party’s state chairman, Chukwuma Igwe, called on Nwifuru to withdraw the comments, describing the directive as unacceptable and warning that it could increase political tension in the state. Vanguard reported that the PDP said it would resist any alleged assault on its members through lawful and constitutional means. 

The party also issued a 24-hour demand for the governor to retract the remarks. New Telegraph reported that Igwe accused the governor of sending a deliberate message to opposition parties rather than making an accidental statement. 

In a separate reaction on Friday, the PDP’s state publicity secretary, Darlington Peter-Onwe, went further by demanding that Nwifuru apologise to Ebonyians or resign.

Peter-Onwe said the governor should take responsibility for his words, arguing that the comments were inconsistent with the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property.

“The Governor should apologise to Ebonyians or resign,” Peter-Onwe said during a live radio programme, according to Channels Television. 

He also referred to Section 14 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which identifies the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government.

The PDP publicity secretary alleged that the governor’s rhetoric had contributed to hostility towards opposition politicians and media practitioners in the state. Those allegations were attributed to the PDP and were not independently established in the reports reviewed. 

The controversy comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. Nwifuru and the APC have publicly sought to consolidate the party’s control of Ebonyi, while the PDP has continued to challenge the state government’s approach towards opposition politics. 

There was no immediate response from the Ebonyi State APC to the PDP’s latest demand, according to Channels Television. 

The Ebonyi PDP Nwifuru dispute has added to the growing political debate in the state over the role of local government chairmen and the conduct of political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.

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