Key Takeaways
- The Ebonyi State chapter of the PDP denies allegations of PVC hoarding.
- The party claims the allegations are a campaign to intimidate its members.
- The PDP expresses concerns over possible rights infringements and urges security institutions to monitor developments.
The Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied allegations that its members are involved in the illegal procurement or hoarding of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the allegations as a campaign against its members and a possible basis for intimidation, harassment, and arrest of its supporters and officials.
The State Publicity Secretary and spokesperson of the PDP in Ebonyi, Prince Darlington Peter Onwe, stated this on Wednesday at a press conference in Abakaliki, amidst heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. Onwe referred to previous comments attributed to the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, regarding the PDP and other opposition parties in the state, saying the party had expressed its concerns to relevant authorities.
Electoral Context
The Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are crucial in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The PDP, as a law-abiding political organisation, has reiterated its commitment to peaceful and constitutional political activities, urging the state government and APC leadership to focus on issue-based engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Onwe expressed concern over what he described as possible actions against its members, saying such measures, if undertaken without due process, could infringe on their constitutional rights. He urged security and electoral institutions, including the Police, National Security Adviser, Department of State Services (DSS), INEC, and human rights bodies, to monitor developments in the state and ensure that political activities were conducted in accordance with the law.
Previous Incidents
The PDP spokesperson also referred to an earlier incident at Ikwuator, Idembia, in Ezza South Local Government Area, where he alleged that political thugs disrupted a PDP event organised to receive a former APC member into the party. He alleged that journalists covering the event were also affected during the incident.
The PDP has placed its members, structures, and stakeholders on alert and will pursue lawful channels to address any alleged infringement of their rights. As of the time of filing this report, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State had not responded to the allegations.
Why This Matters
The allegations and counter-allegations in Ebonyi State highlight the need for transparent and peaceful electoral processes, and the importance of security institutions in ensuring that political activities are conducted in accordance with the law. The outcome of these developments will have significant implications for the 2027 general elections and the democratic process in Nigeria.