The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has raised concerns over alleged escalating political violence, abductions, killings and intimidation of opposition members in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its chairman and Imo State PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, the forum called on President Bola Tinubu and federal security agencies to investigate the reported incidents and ensure the protection of political actors in the state.
The forum alleged that PDP leaders, candidates and supporters had been subjected to threats, unlawful detention, destruction of property and restrictions on political activities.
“Public authority must never be weaponized to intimidate one political party while facilitating another,” the forum stated.
It urged Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and the National Security Adviser to take urgent steps to address the allegations.
The chairmen also called on the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS and international human rights organisations to monitor political developments in Ebonyi ahead of the elections.
The forum expressed dissatisfaction with the police response to reported attacks on opposition members and demanded an independent investigation into the incidents.
It also raised concerns over an alleged accommodation arrangement involving the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police and a hotel reportedly owned by Governor Nwifuru.
Although the forum acknowledged that the alleged arrangement did not automatically establish misconduct, it insisted that the matter required clarification to preserve public confidence in police neutrality.
The chairmen further urged Nwifuru to condemn political violence, ensure equal access to public facilities and cooperate with independent investigators.
They encouraged the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, and his supporters to remain peaceful despite the reported intimidation.
However, the Ebonyi State Police Command dismissed allegations of political bias.
Its spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, maintained that the command remained politically neutral and responded professionally to security threats across the state.
