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The Ebonyi State Government and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have differed over an alleged plot by the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru to revoke the party’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for its (PDP’s) state secretariat.
While the PDP leadership, during a press conference yesterday, alleged that the government was planning to revoke the C of O of its state secretariat, the Ebonyi State Government dismissed the allegation as mischievous and politically motivated.
The government said the claim was deliberately designed to create bad blood and pollute the political atmosphere in the state.
The PDP had raised the alarm over its alleged plan to revoke the C of O of its secretariat and petitioned President Bola Tinubu and security agencies over what it described as threats from the Ebonyi State Government.
During a press briefing in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the PDP accused the state government of political intimidation and attempts to suppress opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The state Chairman of the party, Chukwuma Igwe; the State Secretary, Henry Ngonu; and the Publicity Secretary, Darlington Peter Onwe, alleged that recent political developments and public remarks linked to the government suggested plans to revoke the party’s secretariat located along the Enugu Expressway in Abakaliki.
According to the party, any such move would amount to “a direct assault on constitutional democracy and multiparty political participation.”
The PDP maintained that it would resist any attempt to interfere with its secretariat or lawful political structures through “every available constitutional, democratic, political, and lawful means.”
The opposition party further accused the government of creating a climate of fear through intimidation and harassment of opposition members across the state.
“Political parties are not personal properties of governments in power, and neither is Ebonyi State the private estate of any political office holder,” the statement read.
The party noted that Ebonyi people expected governance focused on economic development, youth empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and employment generation, rather than what it described as a political vendetta against opposition forces.
The PDP also reminded the government that many actors in the current administration, including Governor Nwifuru, rose politically under the platform of the PDP before defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party subsequently called on the President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, civil society groups, members of the diplomatic community, and development partners to monitor developments in Ebonyi State and hold relevant actors accountable for actions capable of undermining democracy.
A PDP chieftain, Moses Idike, alleged that the state government became uncomfortable following the reported governorship ambition of Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii ahead of the 2027 election.
He insisted that the PDP would not allow intimidation or what he described as attempts to muzzle opposition voices in the state.
The party, however, acknowledged that no official revocation notice had been served on it, stressing that its reaction was based on alleged threats and rumours circulating within political circles.
“We are saying it is alleged. We are being preemptive just in case they want to plant something like that,” one of the party officials stated during the briefing.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and the rule of law, while warning that it would firmly resist any unlawful action targeted at suppressing the party or its activities in Ebonyi State.
Reacting to the allegations, the State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe described the APC-led administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as one of the most democratic, tolerant, and accommodating governments in recent times.
Omebe said the administration enjoys overwhelming grassroots support due to its achievements anchored on the “People’s Charter of Needs.”
According to him, the accomplishments of the present administration have made significant and positive impacts on the people of the state.
“No wonder opposition political parties like the PDP are helplessly resorting to cheap blackmail, sentiments, and unfounded allegations as the only means of announcing their presence. Your supposed concern is totally speculative and based on the figment of your imagination,” he said.
He added that the government’s priority remains delivering democratic dividends to the people in line with the “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda and the manifesto of the APC.
“We are very focused and responsible as a government and cannot be distracted by opposition elements whatsoever,” Omebe stated.
