By CHRISTIAN OGBONNA

The Ebonyi chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised remarks by Gov. Francis Nwifuru over its secretariat’s Certificate of Occupancy.

The party’s State Working Committee addressed journalists in Abakaliki on Monday, describing the governor’s comments as an attack on democracy and opposition politics.

The secretariat is located along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway in Abakaliki.

Nwifuru, speaking after the APC governorship primary on May 21, claimed he applied for the land allocation where the PDP secretariat stands.

“The allocation was written in somebody’s name, and I hold the allocation papers and the C of O.

“I bought the land beside the PDP secretariat from Fred Udeogu. I bought the land for N3 million each, and I have the documents,” the governor said.

He further questioned the PDP’s ownership claim, alleging compensation conditions attached to the property acquisition were not fulfilled.

“When people wake up and say they have a party secretariat, I ask, where is the place? You don’t have any property,” Nwifuru said.

Reacting, PDP Chairman, Chief Chukwuma Igwe, described the governor’s remarks as disturbing and capable of undermining democratic principles.

“The governor’s comments on the C of O are part of broader efforts to intimidate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Ebonyi State Government has devoted public resources to emasculate dissenting voices, especially opposition political parties, particularly the PDP,” he said.

Igwe also condemned alleged arrests and detention of opposition members on what he described as fabricated charges aimed at silencing critics.

He stated: “Political parties remain essential institutions in a democratic system.

“Any action targeted at weakening opposition parties constitutes a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process and the rule of law.”

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, security agencies, electoral authorities and international observers to monitor developments in the state.

Igwe noted that the PDP governed Ebonyi from 1999 until November 2021, before key members defected to the APC.

“Even Governor Nwifuru himself rose politically through the PDP platform.

“We will continue to pursue constitutional and legal means to protect the rights of the party, its members and Ebonyi residents,” Igwe said. (NAN)