By Nkechinyere Ewa
The people’s democratic party in Ebonyi State has raised alarm over an alleged plot by the state government to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of its state secretariat in Abakaliki, describing the move as a threat to democracy and opposition politics in the state.
The party made its position known during a press conference held in Abakaliki, where it accused the government of executive overreach, political intolerance and attempts to intimidate opposition members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement jointly signed by Hon. Chukwuma Igwe, Chairman of PDP Ebonyi State; Hon. Henry Ngonu, State Secretary; and Prince (Hon.) Darlington Peter Onwe, Publicity Secretary, the PDP said recent political developments and alleged remarks from government quarters pointed to plans to target the party’s secretariat located along the Enugu Expressway.
According to the opposition party, any action aimed at revoking the property documents of its secretariat would amount to an abuse of executive power and an attack on constitutional democracy and multi-party participation.
The PDP declared that it would resist any attempt to tamper with its structures through constitutional and lawful means.
The party further alleged that opposition figures in the state were increasingly being subjected to intimidation, harassment and misuse of state influence.
“Democracy thrives on plurality, tolerance and healthy political competition not coercion, suppression and misuse of state institutions,” the statement noted.
The party also criticised what it described as the diversion of government attention from issues affecting Ebonyi people, including economic growth, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and job creation, to political confrontation with opposition groups.
The PDP recalled its role in the political development of Ebonyi State between 1999 and 2021, noting that several members of the current administration, including Governor , attained political prominence under the party before moving to the ruling .
Consequently, the party called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), civil society organisations and members of the diplomatic community to closely monitor political developments in Ebonyi State.
During the briefing, Moses Idike, National Ex-Officio of the PDP, accused the state government of becoming uneasy following the governorship ambition of Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that no individual or political party had monopoly over the political space in the state, insisting that PDP members across the 171 wards and 13 local government areas would participate freely in the electoral process.
The party, however, admitted that no formal revocation notice had been issued to it, explaining that its reaction was based on alleged threats and rumours surrounding the matter.
“We are saying it is alleged. We are being preemptive just in case they want to plant something like that,” one of the officials stated.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to peace, democratic engagement and the rule of law, while warning against any attempt to unlawfully suppress opposition activities in Ebonyi State.