PDP raises alarm over alleged plan to revoke secretariat C of O in Ebonyi

The peoples democratic party PDP in Ebonyi State has petitioned President Bola Tinubu and security agencies over what it described as alleged threats by the Ebonyi state government to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the party’s state secretariat in Abakaliki.

In a press statement titled “Rising Concerns Over Executive Overreach, Political Intolerance, and Threats Against Opposition Democratic Structures in Ebonyi State,” the PDP accused the state government of political intimidation and attempts to suppress opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chukwuma Igwe, Chairman of the party, Henry Ngonu, the State Secretary, and Darlington Peter Onwe, the Publicity Secretary, alleged that recent political developments and public remarks linked to the government suggested plans to revoke the party’s secretariat located along the Enugu Expressway in Abakaliki.

According to the party, any such move would amount to “a direct assault on constitutional democracy and multiparty political participation,” warning that it could threaten political stability in the state.

The PDP maintained that it would resist any attempt to interfere with its secretariat or lawful political structures through “every available constitutional, democratic, political and lawful means.”

The opposition party further accused the government of allegedly creating a climate of fear through intimidation and harassment of opposition members across the state.

“Political parties are not personal properties of governments in power, and neither is Ebonyi State the private estate of any political office holder,” the statement read.

The party noted that Ebonyi people expected governance focused on economic development, youth empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and employment generation, rather than what it described as political vendetta against opposition forces.

The PDP also reminded the government that many actors in the current administration, including Governor Nwifuru, rose politically under the platform of the PDP before defecting to the ruling.

The party subsequently called on the President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services, civil society groups, members of the diplomatic community and development partners to monitor developments in Ebonyi State and hold relevant actors accountable for actions capable of undermining democracy.

Moses Idike, a PDP chieftain, in his submission, alleged that the state government became uncomfortable following the reported governorship ambition of Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii ahead of the 2027 election.

He insisted that the PDP would not allow intimidation or what he described as attempts to muzzle opposition voices in the state.

The party, however, acknowledged that no official revocation notice had been served on it, stressing that its reaction was based on alleged threats and rumours circulating within political circles.

“We are saying it is alleged. We are being preemptive just in case they want to plant something like that,” one of the party officials stated during the briefing.

The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and the rule of law, while warning that it would firmly resist any unlawful action targeted at suppressing the party or its activities in Ebonyi State.