The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, has given Governor Francis Nwifuru a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw what it described as inflammatory remarks against opposition parties in the state.
The party’s reaction followed comments by Governor Nwifuru while swearing in newly elected local government chairmen, where he urged them to work towards an outright victory for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in forthcoming elections.
Nwifuru told the council chairmen to ensure the APC wins all available positions, warning that the party would not leave any political position to the opposition.
The governor also said the APC was prepared to match its political statements with action, while dismissing claims that his administration was threatening opposition parties.
Reacting at a press briefing in Abakaliki, the state chairman and publicity secretary of the PDP, Chief Chukwuma Igwe and Darlington Onwe, respectively, demanded the immediate withdrawal of the governor’s remarks.
The PDP officials alleged that similar political tensions had previously resulted in violence in parts of the state, citing incidents in Ezza South and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas.
They said the party would petition security agencies and human rights organisations over what they described as threats to opposition members.
The PDP leaders stressed that the party would pursue legal and constitutional means to protect its members, insisting that the primary responsibility of government is to protect lives and property.
They warned that failure by Governor Nwifuru to retract the remarks within 24 hours would prompt the party to explore all available legal channels.
The PDP officials further urged relevant authorities to take the matter seriously, warning against any action that could escalate political tensions or result in violence in the state.
