2027: Ebonyi CSO Alleges Fear, Political Pressure Over Nwifuru’s Warning to Council Chairmen

Concerns are mounting over the political atmosphere in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections following allegations that local government chairmen are being pressured to deliver electoral victories for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Charles Otu, spokesperson for the Ebonyi Civil Society Coalition Group, made the allegation during an appearance on Arise Television, where he criticised Governor Francis Nwifuru’s reported warning to newly inaugurated local government chairmen.

Nwifuru had reportedly warned the 13 council chairmen that those whose councils were lost to the opposition during the 2027 elections would be removed from office. The governor also reportedly urged them to show “no mercy” to opposition parties in their respective areas.

Otu described the remarks as a sign of political anxiety, questioning why an administration confident in its performance would be concerned about the outcome of an election.

“Why are they afraid of the ballot?” he asked, arguing that elections should serve as a referendum on the performance of an incumbent government.

He claimed that the alleged pressure had extended to the grassroots, citing an allegation involving the chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Eze Paul Ituma.

According to Otu, Ituma allegedly warned that people who refused to support the APC could be declared persona non grata in the local government area.

Otu argued that such rhetoric could undermine citizens’ freedom to support candidates and parties of their choice, stressing that elections should not become contests in which voters fear consequences for voting differently.

The civil society activist also criticised the Nwifuru administration’s performance in healthcare, education and infrastructure, alleging shortcomings in the delivery of public services.

On healthcare, Otu cited figures he said placed Ebonyi among jurisdictions with low per-capita health spending. He also questioned the state of public education and criticised aspects of the government’s approach to developing educational institutions.

He specifically alleged that Ebonyi State University had been weakened by political interference and described the institution as being in “total comatose.”

Otu also questioned the economic value being derived from the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, alleging that the facility was not attracting sufficient commercial flight operations.

He further claimed that a church had used the airport for worship services and alleged that, apart from private chartered flights, there were no regular commercial operations.

However, the airport-related claim has previously been disputed by the Ebonyi State Government. In 2024, the government denied reports that the airport’s departure lounge had been converted into a church, explaining that footage circulating online showed a prayer service conducted by ministry staff ahead of the resumption of flight operations.

Otu also raised concerns about political violence, alleging that attacks had occurred in parts of the state and that petitions had been submitted to the police without sufficient action.

He further claimed to have personally experienced political violence, alleging that he was attacked, abducted and tortured during the administration of former Governor Dave Umahi.

Despite his concerns about his safety, Otu said he had no intention of leaving the state permanently and appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to provide protection.

“I am not planning to go on exile,” he said, adding that he expected to return to Ebonyi after the television programme.

The allegations come as political parties and their supporters begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. With the campaign season expected to intensify, concerns over political rhetoric, voter freedom and security are likely to remain central to discussions about the credibility of the electoral process in Ebonyi.

Neither Governor Nwifuru nor the affected local government chairmen were quoted in the report as responding directly to Otu’s allegations.