Ebonyi Govt Rejects PDP Claims of Nwifuru-Wike Rift, Says Governor Never Threatened FCT Minister

Ebonyi Govt Rejects PDP Claims of Nwifuru-Wike Rift, Says Governor Never Threatened FCT Minister

The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed reports suggesting a falling out between Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, insisting that recent claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were politically motivated.

State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, said the controversy stemmed from what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of Governor Nwifuru’s remarks during the June 15, 2026 endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki.

Omebeh maintained that the governor never threatened Wike, contrary to statements issued by factions of the PDP and reports circulating in some sections of the media. He explained that Nwifuru’s comments were directed at opposition elements allegedly spreading false information and attempting to stir political tension in Ebonyi State by invoking the FCT minister’s name.

The commissioner clarified that the governor’s use of the word “consume” was intended as a metaphorical warning that anyone engaging in acts capable of undermining peace or violating the law would face legal consequences. He stressed that the remark was not aimed at Wike.

He further stated that Governor Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, dismissing suggestions of any disagreement between the two political figures.

“The attempt by the two PDP factions and some paid media hirelings to twist the Governor’s speech for selfish reasons and create a rift between both leaders is uncalled for and should be discountenanced,” Omebeh said.

The state government also took a swipe at the opposition, urging the PDP to concentrate on resolving its internal leadership crisis instead of criticising the Nwifuru administration. Omebeh argued that a party battling prolonged internal divisions lacks the moral authority to comment on governance in Ebonyi State.

He expressed confidence that the APC would retain widespread support in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that any attempt to manufacture conflict between Governor Nwifuru and Minister Wike would ultimately fail. He also warned that individuals spreading false information or propaganda capable of causing unrest would face the full weight of the law.