A socio-cultural youth organisation in Ebonyi State, the Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly (EEYA), has alleged that its members and leaders are facing intimidation, harassment, and threats following the group’s endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Monday, the National President of the association, Comrade Sunday Orogwu, claimed that members of the group have become targets of alleged persecution in several Ezza communities since publicly declaring support for Odii’s governorship ambition.
According to Orogwu, unidentified individuals allegedly linked to the Ebonyi State Government have been moving through communities where Ezza people reside, threatening members of the organisation and their families.
He alleged that some of the individuals warned they would burn down the homes of EEYA members and attack anyone associated with the endorsement of the PDP governorship candidate.
“We are calling on security agencies, the people of Ebonyi State, and all defenders of democracy to take note of the threats, harassment, and intimidation being directed at our members, leaders, parents, stakeholders, and supporters,” Orogwu said.
He maintained that the pressure intensified after the association unanimously endorsed Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii for the 2027 Ebonyi governorship election.
The EEYA president stated that the organisation was established in 2021 as a legitimate civic group committed to promoting good governance and civic participation. He stressed that members have a constitutional right to freely associate with political parties and support candidates of their choice.
According to him, the endorsement of Odii reflects the group’s belief that the PDP candidate can address the economic and social challenges confronting Ebonyi State.
The youth group appealed to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian military to safeguard the democratic rights of citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
EEYA further insisted that it would not be intimidated, urging political parties, traditional leaders, and the Ebonyi State Government to respect the constitutional rights of all residents.
The association added that election campaigns should focus on presenting policies and achievements rather than resorting to threats or intimidation. It also encouraged its members to remain peaceful and steadfast despite the alleged harassment.
Responding to the allegations, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, dismissed the claims, describing them as typical accusations often made by opposition groups during election periods.
According to Omebeh, political campaigns are usually accompanied by allegations intended to attract public sympathy, insisting that such claims are common as elections draw closer.
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