The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has raised concerns over alleged political violence, threats, abductions, targeted killings and attacks on opposition members in Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued by the forum’s chairman and Imo State PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, the group called for immediate investigations by federal security agencies and increased monitoring by international election observers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The forum condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt to weaken democratic participation through alleged unlawful detentions, destruction of property and restrictions on PDP leaders, candidates and supporters.
“Public authority must never be weaponized to intimidate one political party while facilitating another,” the statement read.
The group maintained that democracy could only thrive when all political parties enjoyed equal protection under the law and the freedom to participate in political activities without intimidation.
Amid the alleged growing tension, the forum appealed to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser to intervene urgently to protect lives and restore public confidence.
The forum specifically urged the Inspector-General of Police to establish an independent investigative panel to examine reported cases of attacks, threats, abductions, killings, armed robbery and property destruction.
It also called on the DSS to conduct a comprehensive and independent security assessment of the alleged political violence in the state.
Additionally, the group urged President Tinubu to ensure impartial security interventions and guarantee equal protection for all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The forum appealed to the international community, including the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), diplomatic missions and international human rights organisations, to closely monitor the situation and assess its implications for human rights and democratic freedoms in Ebonyi.
According to the statement, the forum had documented several alleged violent incidents and crackdowns on opposition members dating back to mid-2026.
It also expressed dissatisfaction with the police response to complaints submitted by opposition figures, describing the handling of the cases as deeply unsatisfactory.
The forum further raised concerns over reports of accommodation arrangements between the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police and ReMeritona Hotel in Abakaliki, which it alleged was owned by Governor Nwifuru.
Although the group acknowledged that the reported arrangement did not automatically establish bias, it argued that the matter raised ethical concerns requiring clarification to maintain public confidence in the neutrality of the police.
The statement also alleged unequal access to public facilities, claiming that while rival political groups were allowed to use public spaces freely, PDP gatherings faced restrictions and bans.
The forum called on Governor Nwifuru to publicly condemn political violence, clarify his position on reported remarks targeting opposition members, explain the legal basis for the sealing of party properties and cooperate with independent investigations.
It insisted that all allegations must be investigated thoroughly and impartially, adding that anyone found culpable should face the full consequences of the law, regardless of political affiliation or official position.
The group also commended the resilience of the
