The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi will be determined strictly by performance and accountability, not by intimidation, propaganda or political blackmail.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jungudo Mohammed, stated this at a news conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.
The party was reacting to recent statements credited to Nwifuru where he was said to have threatened at a recent political rally to consume and destroy opposition elements in the state.
Mohammed expressed concern over the governor’s alleged remark, describing it as reckless, inflammatory and a sign of desperation ahead of the 2027 polls.
“These unfortunate statements clearly expose a governor who is increasingly troubled by the prospect of his rejection by the people of Ebonyi State in 2027,” he said.
The PDP spokesman said rather than threatening the opposition, Nwifuru should account for state resources and explain his administration’s performance over the last three years.
He raised questions regarding several state projects, including the renovation of Ebonyi Airport with N24 billion, education and uncompleted two-kilometre road projects across various local government areas of the state.
Mohammed also sought for clarification on the beneficiaries of the state’s overseas scholarship programme and alleged funds budgetted for traditional rulers’ palaces.
He said that PDP rejected attempts by Nwifuru to drag the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, into his local political challenges.
“The truth is that Gov. Nwifuru’s challenge is not Chief Wike; his challenge is the people of Ebonyi State who are yearning for competent leadership,” Mohammed said.
He added that if the governor was worried about the next election, he should prepare to face the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Odii, at the poll.
Expressing concern over the safety of PDP members, Mohammed called on security agencies and civil society organisations to take note of the governor’s remarks which he described as disturbing.
He warned that nothing untoward should happen to any PDP supporter, leader or its governorship candidate.
“If the governor truly wishes to ‘consume’ the people of Ebonyi State, let him do so through visible developmental projects, effective governance and tangible improvements in their living conditions,” he said.
Mohammed, however, urged the electorate in the state to remain steadfast ahead of 2027.