Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have publicly clashed over allegations concerning the detention and intimidation of opposition members within the state.
Comrade Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, the ADC chairman in Ebonyi, alongside the party’s national financial secretary, Hon. Muhammad Akibu Dahaltu, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of targeting ADC members through harassment, intimidation, and unlawful arrests.
The accusations were made during the joint Leadership Summit of the ADC and the National Coalition Alliance (NCA) held in Abakaliki, the state capital.
However, Governor Nwifuru’s office, represented by his special assistant on Inter-Party Affairs, Comrade Sunday Nwanbam, refuted any involvement by the government or security agencies in the alleged incidents.
Adibe-Nwafor criticized the APC-led government for reneging on its commitment to provide a fair political environment for all parties. He highlighted that opposition groups are now subjected to intimidation and suppression by the very administration that promised equality.
“The governor assured that all political parties would operate on a level playing field, yet our members were detained and harassed by unidentified individuals, not even official police personnel,” Adibe-Nwafor stated.
He added, “Every citizen has the constitutional right to affiliate with any political party of their choosing. Fortunately, the police responded to our appeal, released those detained, and returned all confiscated belongings.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Muhammad Akibu Dahaltu condemned the APC’s pattern of intimidation, describing it as a hallmark of their governance.
“This kind of disruption is expected from the APC. Across states like Kebbi and Kaduna, they have consistently employed thugs and security forces to undermine opposition efforts. Nigerians are weary of their failures. The eight years under Buhari and the current administration’s tenure clearly demonstrate the party’s inability to deliver. Who would seriously consider voting APC in 2027?” he questioned.
Reports indicate that six ADC members were apprehended by unidentified individuals shortly before the summit began and were taken to the police station. They were subsequently released following intervention by concerned stakeholders.
The summit, originally scheduled at the People’s Club in Abakaliki, was reportedly disrupted by unknown persons, prompting a relocation to Akadike Suite within the city.
Responding to the allegations, Comrade Sunday Nwanbam dismissed claims of any political violence in Ebonyi State, emphasizing that the government would not stoop to such actions.
“There has been no political conflict since the 2023 general elections, thanks to Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to peace. The administration treats all parties-APC, PDP, Labour Party, ADC-with fairness and cooperation,” Nwanbam affirmed.
He urged all political groups to conduct their activities peacefully and to inform security agencies ahead of any gatherings. Nwanbam stressed that the government had no prior knowledge of the alleged attack and had not received any official complaints.
“Our duty is to safeguard the interests of Ebonyi citizens who elected this government. Neither I nor the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman was notified about any meeting or incident. The government is uninvolved and unaware of these claims,” he insisted.
Furthermore, Nwanbam recommended that opposition parties establish official office locations to facilitate communication and coordination. He reiterated Governor Nwifuru’s administration’s dedication to fostering peace and inclusivity across all political factions in Ebonyi State.
