PDP faults Ebonyi Governor over threat to consume, destroy opposition ahead 2027

• Urges security agencies, CSOs to take note

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has faulted the threat by the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Francis Nwifuru to “consume” and “destroy” any opposition in the state ahead of next year’s general election, describing it as disturbing and capable of heightening political tension in the State.

Consequently, the PDP has called on security agencies and civil society organizations to take serious note of the Governor’s disturbing remarks.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, while reacting to the development at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, equally cautioned the Governor from

dragging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, into his growing political misfortunes.

Mohammed, who addressed the media in company of some chieftains of the PDP, warned that political disagreements must never be reduced to threats or rhetorics capable of endangering lives and undermining democratic participation.

According to the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, “These unfortunate statements clearly expose a Governor who is increasingly troubled by the prospect of his rejection by the people of Ebonyi State in 2027.

“Having failed to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to the people of Ebonyi State, Governor Nwifuru has now resorted to searching for scapegoats and manufacturing conspiracy theories in a desperate bid to secure cheap public sympathy ahead of the next election.

“Instead of engaging in political blackmail, spreading unfounded allegations and threatening to use state resources against the opposition, the Governor should devote his energy to explaining to the people of Ebonyi State why, after more than three years in office, his administration struggles to point to projects that have meaningfully impacted the lives of the people.

“At the inception of Governor Nwifuru’s administration, a staggering N24 billion was reportedly spent on the renovation of the Ebonyi Airport.

More than two years later, the airport remains commercially unviable and has failed to attract any significant economic activity or deliver meaningful benefits to the people of the state.

Rather than making threats and chasing imaginary enemies, Governor Nwifuru should explain to Ebonyi people the undisclosed beneficiaries of the overseas scholarship programme, the poor state of basic education, the uncompleted two-kilometre road projects across local government areas and the billions budgeted for traditional rulers’ palaces with little or no visible results.

The PDP rejects in its entirety the Governor’s attempt to drag Chief Nyesom Wike into his political misfortunes.
“We call on Security Agencies and Civil Society Organizations to take serious note of the Governor’s disturbing remarks about “consuming” opposition members and leaders in the state.

“Such language is unbecoming of a public office holder and has the potential to heighten political tension in the state.

‘Political disagreements must never be reduced to threats or rhetorics capable of endangering lives and undermining democratic participation.
“Should anything untoward happen to any of our supporter, leader or candidate in Ebonyi State, particularly our governorship candidate, Ambassador (Dr.) Ifeanyi Chukwuma

Odii, or any member of his family, Nigerians already knows where to direct attention and demand answers.

“If the Governor truly wishes to “consume” the people of Ebonyi State, let him do so through visible developmental projects, effective governance and tangible improvements in their living conditions and not through threats, intimidation and hostile political rhetoric.

“The PDP therefore urges the good people of Ebonyi State to remain steadfast and prepare to use the power of their votes to enthrone responsible leadership in 2027.

“The ballot remains the most powerful instrument of democratic change, and through it the people will render their verdict on the performance of the current administration.

“No amount of blackmail, intimidation or diversionary tactics can alter that reality”, it said.