The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of an alleged plot to frame, arrest and criminalise some of its members over alleged dealings in Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the claims as baseless and “the last kick of a dying horse.”
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Interparty Affairs, Hon. Sunday Nwambam, stated this while reacting to a press briefing addressed by Prince Darlington Onwe, who allegedly presented himself as the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state.
Briefing pressmen at Abakaliki on Thursday, Nwambam, said the allegation that Governor Francis Nwifuru, his administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were plotting to frame or detain PDP members was “false, misleading and baseless.”
“I have read the spurious allegations made against His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Prince Francis Nwifuru, his administration and the ruling APC,” Nwambam said.
He added that the allegations were “reflective of the last kicks of a dying horse,” while questioning the faction of the PDP represented by Onwe.
Nwambam said the state government remained committed to the sustenance of multiparty democracy, stressing that Governor Nwifuru believed that political parties should be allowed to operate and pursue their aspirations within the law.
According to him, “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Prince Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, is among those who believe that party pluralism should not be sacrificed on the altar of one's ambition.”
He urged members of the public and relevant government agencies to disregard the alleged plot, describing it as an attempt to create unnecessary tension in the state.
Nwambam challenged the PDP faction to substantiate its claims with evidence, arguing that it was not within the powers of political actors to determine alleged security operations.
“Support your allegations with facts, as it cannot usurp the responsibilities of security agencies to uncover a plot for the arrest of its members,” he said.
The governor’s aide further alleged that the claims could be a prelude to an attempt to purchase PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the PDP to clarify the basis of its allegations.
He, however, stressed that Governor Nwifuru was not opposed to Ebonyians supporting candidates of their choice, saying the electorate would ultimately make their decisions at the appropriate time.
Nwambam urged the police and other security agencies to investigate the allegations made by the PDP and establish their veracity, warning political actors against heating up the polity with unsubstantiated claims.
He also advised voters across the state to protect their Permanent Voter Cards, describing them as valuable instruments of democratic participation.
“I also advise voters in Ebonyi State to treat their PVCs like a precious jewel, whose value is priceless,” he said.
