Political tension has continued to rise in Ebonyi State following a protest by opposition supporters over comments made by Governor Francis Nwifuru during the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen and their deputies.
The protesters expressed concern over the governor’s remarks and called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police to intervene.
The controversy followed Governor Nwifuru’s address at the swearing-in ceremony held in Abakaliki, where he urged the newly inaugurated local government chairmen to work towards strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the governor, the council chairmen should ensure that the APC maintains its dominance in their respective local government areas during the 2027 elections.
Nwifuru also warned the council chairmen against allowing opposition political parties to defeat the APC in their local government areas, suggesting that there could be consequences if they failed to deliver their councils to the ruling party.
“You must not allow the opposition to win in your respective local government councils during the 2027 general elections,” the governor was quoted as saying.
The statement has triggered reactions among opposition groups in Ebonyi State, with protesters describing the governor’s comments as a matter requiring the attention of security authorities.
The development has further intensified political discussions in Ebonyi as political parties and their supporters begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The protest comes shortly after the swearing-in of the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors following the recent Ebonyi State local government elections.
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