The Ebonyi State government has refuted reports alleging that members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were attacked and arrested by suspected state agents during their one-day statewide summit in Abakaliki.
The summit, initially scheduled to hold at the People’s Club in the state capital, was reportedly disrupted and later relocated to Akadike Suite. Sources alleged that about six ADC members were arrested in the process and charged with treasonable offences before being released following the intervention of concerned stakeholders.
But in a swift reaction, the Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Inter-Party Affairs, Comrade Sunday Nwanbam, dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
“There was no crisis between political parties in Ebonyi State to warrant such an attack. The government cannot come so low to embark on such acts,” Nwanbam stated.
He explained that Ebonyi State currently has 17 registered political parties, all of whom, he said, enjoy equal government protection and support under the present administration.
“Since the 2023 general elections, we have not witnessed any political crisis in the state because of the peaceful disposition of Governor Nwifuru. The government does not discriminate whether APC, PDP, Labour Party, or ADC, all parties are working together in Ebonyi,” he said.
The governor’s aide urged political parties to operate within the ambit of the law, stressing the importance of notifying security agencies when organizing political meetings or rallies.
“Our responsibility is to protect the interests of Ebonyi people who voted for this government. Nobody notified me or the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman about any meeting or alleged attack. Government is not aware of it, and it has nothing to do with us,” he insisted.
He further advised opposition parties to establish and maintain official offices for ease of communication and coordination, noting that the Nwifuru administration remains committed to sustaining peace, inclusiveness, and democratic tolerance across the political spectrum.
Observers noted that the swift denial underscores the administration’s determination to avoid political tension in the state as the 2027 elections gradually approach.
