By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Interparty Affairs, Comrade Sunday Nwambam, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to enforce the law against politicians and political actors allegedly engaging in abusive, inflammatory and inciting rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwambam made the call during a press briefing in Abakaliki, where he accused some opposition politicians, content creators and individuals claiming to speak for opposition groups of embarking on what he described as a “campaign of calumny” against the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
He said the administration was not opposed to criticism or legitimate opposition, but condemned what he described as “lies and abusive rhetoric” directed at the governor and his administration.
Nwambam specifically criticised former media aide to former Governor Dave Umahi, Charles Otu, for comments allegedly made during a television programme, accusing him of diverting political discourse from governance issues to the personal and family life of Governor Nwifuru.
He also took a swipe at Chika Nwoba, whom he accused of making unsubstantiated claims about the governor’s health.
According to him, political disagreements should be centred on issues of governance, policies and programmes rather than personal attacks.
Nwambam said: “While my office does not attempt to muzzle the opposition, it is important to emphatically condemn their negative and incendiary remarks in the strongest terms.
“These goons must note that while the political season provides them with opportunities to express their feelings and canvass for votes for their choice candidates, they are already observing their rights in breaches by concocting all manner of lies and abusive rhetoric against the administration of Governor Nwifuru.”
Defending the performance of the Nwifuru administration, the governor’s aide listed the establishment of universities at Ezza and Oferekpe, foreign scholarships for Ebonyi indigenes, agricultural empowerment programmes, road infrastructure, smart schools and security interventions among the achievements of the administration.
He also claimed that the state had recorded no successful kidnapping or abduction since Nwifuru assumed office, attributing the development to the administration’s security measures.
Nwambam described the alleged attacks against the governor as a calculated attempt to undermine the state rather than an issue-based political campaign.
He urged opposition politicians and their supporters to present alternative policies and programmes to voters instead of resorting to personal attacks.
The governor’s aide further called on INEC to enforce relevant provisions of the electoral law against political actors who violate restrictions on hate speech and inflammatory campaign rhetoric.
He cited Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, claiming that a candidate convicted of using hate speech or inciting violence during campaigns could face a fine of up to N5 million, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Nwambam also defended Governor Nwifuru against allegations that his recent political comments amounted to threats against Ebonyians, describing them instead as “fatherly advice” aimed at guiding citizens on the political trajectory of the country.
He urged residents to resist attempts to manipulate the political atmosphere and appealed to political actors to maintain peace ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Let us all remember that Ebonyi is for all of us and must be peaceful enough for everyone to live in,” he said.