The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has called for urgent security intervention in Ebonyi State following allegations of repeated attacks, abductions, threats and destruction of property targeting opposition party members.
The forum said the reported incidents, involving PDP leaders, supporters and political candidates, had heightened concerns about the safety of opposition figures and the potential escalation of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the forum urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the allegations were independently investigated and those found responsible were brought to justice.
The group also called on Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru to publicly condemn political violence and ensure that all political parties could operate without intimidation.
Among the incidents highlighted was an alleged attack on PDP members attending a political rally in Ikwuator Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area, on August 1, 2026. According to the forum, the incident left 10 people critically injured, while vehicles belonging to party members and journalists were also attacked.
The forum further alleged that the residence of a prominent PDP leader, Chief Christopher Ngwuta, popularly known as Gbazuoagu, was attacked on August 4 during a consultative meeting. It claimed that Ngwuta’s wife, Blessing, subsequently lost a four-month pregnancy following the trauma.
Another incident cited by the group was the alleged attack on PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ohanaivo Federal Constituency, Igboke Felix Ogbonna, and his aides during a Catholic Women’s August meeting at Christ the King Catholic Parish, Aba Omege, on August 16.
The forum also alleged that the business premises of a PDP leader, Arinze Oyibe, in Abaomege were attacked on September 9, resulting in the destruction of goods worth millions of naira. It claimed that a pregnant woman was also assaulted during the incident.
On September 19, an armed group allegedly disrupted a PDP political and economic summit at Veneza Hotel in Abakaliki, injuring participants and dispossessing attendees of valuables.
The forum further raised concerns over the reported arrest and continued detention of the party’s state woman leader, Chinyere Nwele, who was reportedly arrested on October 15. It called on the police to disclose the legal basis for her detention and ensure that her rights were protected.
In another allegation, the group claimed that Jimo Guest House, owned by PDP youth leader Jimo Abu, was sealed by government agents on October 20. It alleged that Abu was abducted the following day and forced at gunpoint to renounce his membership of the party and declare support for Governor Nwifuru.
The statement also called for an investigation into an alleged attack on security personnel in Amaezekwe village, Ezza South Local Government Area, on October 22.
Additionally, the forum expressed concern over reports that Elder Onwe Obochi of Oshege village in Ohaukwu Local Government Area had been abducted and killed after attending a political meeting involving opposition members.
It urged security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents, identify those responsible and provide protection for victims, witnesses and individuals considered vulnerable to further attacks.
The forum also questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported sealing of the PDP state secretariat in Abakaliki on May 25, alleging that the facility had remained inaccessible to party officials.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police to establish an impartial investigative team to examine the allegations of violence, abductions, armed robbery, unlawful detention and destruction of property.
The DSS was also urged to conduct an independent security assessment and work with other relevant agencies to prevent further attacks, while the National Security Adviser was asked to coordinate preventive measures against potential political violence.
Beyond the reported attacks, the forum expressed concern about what it described as restrictions on the PDP’s political activities and unequal access to public facilities for political gatherings in the state.
It maintained that political disagreements should not result in threats to lives or restrictions on citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful political participation.
The group also appealed to the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, diplomatic missions and international human rights organisations to monitor credible reports of political violence in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
It urged Governor Nwifuru to cooperate with independent investigations and called on the Federal Government to ensure that political affiliation did not determine access to security protection or the application of the law.
The forum concluded by urging the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, to remain committed to peaceful political engagement as he pursues his ambition in the 2027 governorship election.
