By Amarachukwu Egwu-Agha, Abakaliki
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has raised concerns over what it described as attempts by the state government to undermine opposition politics, following remarks by Governor Francis Nwifuru questioning the party’s ownership of the land housing its state secretariat in Abakaliki.
The party made its position known during a press briefing in Abakaliki on Monday, where it accused the state government of political intimidation and executive overreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Hon. Chukwuma Igwe, State Secretary, Hon. Henry Ngonu, and Publicity Secretary, Prince Darlington Peter Onwe, the PDP alleged that there were plans to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy covering its secretariat.
The opposition party warned that any attempt to interfere with its property would constitute an attack on constitutional democracy, political plurality and the rights of opposition parties to operate freely.
“The PDP Ebonyi State Chapter wishes to unequivocally state that the party shall not fold its arms or surrender democratic space to intimidation, harassment or executive recklessness,” the statement read.
The party also called on security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations and the international community to monitor political developments in the state and ensure that democratic institutions are protected.
The PDP’s reaction followed comments made by Governor Nwifuru during a victory celebration at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Abakaliki, where he challenged the party’s claim to the property.
According to the governor, the land was acquired through an application process and some of the conditions attached to its acquisition were not met.
“The PDP secretariat land was allocated following an application. People are saying all kinds of things because they do not know the history of that place. They claim they have property there, but they do not have any property there,” Nwifuru said.
The governor further alleged that compensation linked to the acquisition of the land was not properly handled, maintaining that the original landowners were aware of the true circumstances surrounding the transaction.
“One of the conditions required for acquiring that property was compensation, and that compensation was not properly paid. If you ask the families involved, they will tell you what happened. They know who the real owners of the property are,” he stated.
Despite the governor’s claims, the PDP insisted that any move against its secretariat would be resisted through lawful and constitutional means, describing the issue as a test of democratic tolerance in the state.
The disagreement has added a new dimension to the political rivalry between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, with observers viewing it as one of the early flashpoints ahead of the 2027 elections in Ebonyi State.
