Political stakeholders in Ebonyi State are calling for urgent security intervention after suspected political thugs reportedly disrupted an All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, gathering in Okposhi Ward, Ezza North Local Government Area. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of political activities in the Ezza clan ahead of the 2027 general elections.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the incident occurred when APGA House of Representatives candidate for Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, Prince Emeka Irem, visited his ward chairman. The alleged attackers reportedly damaged chairs and canopies before chasing away supporters who had gathered to receive him.

The reported incident came less than 48 hours after another alleged attack involving Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for Ezza South State Constituency. That incident was reported to have left two people dead, although the circumstances surrounding both incidents and the identities of those responsible have not been independently established.

Concerned about the possibility of further violence, Sir Chinedu Anyigor called on Governor Francis Nwifuru, security chiefs, the chairmen of Ezza North and Ezza South local government areas, and community elders to intervene. He also urged the two council chairmen to caution their supporters, warning that political rivalry should not lead to further loss of lives or destruction of property.

Labour Party governorship candidate for 2027, Comrade Eze Oko Splendour, separately raised concerns about an alleged restriction on political gatherings in Ezza South. In an open letter to the council chairman, Hon. Chinedu Mkpuma, Oko argued that peaceful political meetings should be protected as part of citizens’ freedom of association. He also called on security agencies to safeguard opposition parties during lawful political activities.

Oko further made allegations about statements attributed to political leaders concerning opposition parties and local government activities. Those claims, including the circumstances surrounding the reported restriction on gatherings, have not been independently verified. The report also contained no response from the state government or the affected local government officials.

Stakeholders have appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and security agencies to work together to prevent a further escalation. They say political disagreements should be addressed through dialogue and democratic processes rather than intimidation or violence, as tensions rise ahead of the next election cycle.

The reported APGA disruption and the separate allegations concerning political gatherings have placed renewed focus on the need to protect lawful political participation in Ebonyi State. As of the time of the report, there was no response from the state government, the affected local government chairmen or security agencies, and no official findings had been provided on the incidents.