The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged intimidation, harassment, and attacks on its candidates in Ebonyi State. The party's Chairman of the PDP Forum of State Chairmen, Austin Nwachukwu, disclosed this during an interaction between state chairmen and members of the party's National Working Committee (NWC) at Wadata Plaza, Abuja. Nwachukwu said the forum's leadership visited Ebonyi State to address a disturbing situation involving intimidation, harassment, arrests, and killings under Governor Francis Nwifuru's administration.
Nwachukwu stated that some states, particularly those with APC governors, are antagonistic to PDP candidates. He warned that the alleged attacks on opposition candidates could undermine the peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections if not addressed. The PDP state chairmen's forum chairman urged the IGP and other security agencies to intervene and ensure the safety of opposition candidates, particularly the PDP governorship candidate.
The PDP Forum of State Chairmen's leadership prepared a petition to the IGP and other relevant security agencies. Nwachukwu emphasized that the killings and harassment of PDP candidates and governorship candidates in various states must stop. He added that the forum would no longer take lightly any incident involving the harassment, intimidation, or killing of its candidates over political contests.
Nwachukwu reaffirmed the forum's commitment to working with the national leadership to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections. He described state chairmen as the party's foot soldiers at the grassroots and pledged their cooperation in implementing the NWC's programs and political strategies. The meeting had 36 state chairmen, including the Federal Capital Territory representative, in attendance.
The National Chairman of the PDP, Abdulrahman Mohammed, assured party members that the NWC would uphold the party's constitution and established procedures in conducting its affairs. He said no provision or process stipulated by the party's constitution would be ignored under the current leadership. Mohammed commended state chairmen for successfully conducting the nomination processes for candidates contesting state assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship elections.
Mohammed expressed appreciation for the state chairmen's efforts in ensuring a smooth nomination exercise and optimism that the party's candidates would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections. He said the NWC has a responsibility to reposition the party and ensure its performance contributes to national development. The national chairman appreciated members of the NWC for their support and advice, urging party leaders to remain united and committed to their responsibilities.
The PDP leadership is expected to continue consultations with its state structures as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. The party's actions aim to address concerns over political violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process. Key discussions will focus on strengthening party structures and enhancing candidate safety.
Key points
- PDP petitions IGP over alleged harassment of Ebonyi State governorship candidate
- Party warns of undermining peaceful 2027 elections if attacks on opposition candidates continue
- PDP leadership to continue consultations with state structures ahead of 2027 general elections
