The Ebonyi State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to retract his recent comments against opposition figures in the state, tender an unreserved apology, or resign from office.
The party described the Governor’s utterances as inciting and capable of stoking political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PDP’s outrage stems from remarks Governor Nwifuru made on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen and their deputies in Abakaliki.
Dismissing allegations that members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were harassing and intimidating political critics, Nwifuru issued a stern counter-warning to the opposition.
“Political opposition in the state is alleging harassment and intimidation by the ruling All Progressives Congress. They will see real threats at the right time,” Nwifuru declared.
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Speaking during a live radio program on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State, Darlington Peter-Onwe, charged the Governor to take responsibility for his words,
He noted that the rhetoric has already triggered a wave of hostility against members of opposition parties and media practitioners in the state.
“The Governor should apologise to Ebonyians or resign. He should retract the statement or step down because he has violated the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy,” Peter-Onwe stated.
“Section 14 of the Constitution explicitly provides that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property. By making such statements, he is now the one insinuating violence.”
Comparing Nwifuru’s response to that of other state executives, Peter-Onwe pointed to neighbouring governance as a standard for leadership accountability.
“Look at what Governor Alex Otti did when there was a disruption in the education sector. He came out openly and apologised, admitting that it shouldn’t have happened. That is the true strength of a leader,” he added.
