The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has condemned what it described as an opposition threat in Ebonyi, accusing state officials of attempting to intimidate political opponents while endorsing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution members of his party against actions capable of undermining democratic participation, insisting that citizens must be free to support candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation.

AEISCID’s position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by its President, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu.

The statement came against the backdrop of two major political events held almost simultaneously in Ebonyi State. One was an endorsement rally organised by the Ezza Elders Council at the Onueke Township Stadium in Ezza South Local Government Area in support of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s second-term bid. The other was a press conference by the Umuekumenyi Leaders Council in Abakaliki, where support was declared for the PDP governorship candidate.

According to the association, the events highlighted growing political activity ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

AEISCID criticised remarks allegedly made during a recent endorsement rally for Governor Nwifuru and President Tinubu at the Abakaliki Township Stadium. The association said any perceived opposition threat in Ebonyi could weaken democratic values and discourage political participation.

“We condemn the resort to threats and violence on opposition by Gov. Nwifuru made during his speech at a recent rally for the endorsement of himself and the President for a second term in office at the Abakaliki Township Stadium. We beckon on President Tinubu to please call his Party’s loyalist to order as our people cannot be cowed by threats of violence. Democracy grants everyone the right and freedom to contest for his position and under no circumstances should the people face threats for exercising their franchise,” the statement said.

The group maintained that elections should be conducted in an atmosphere where citizens can freely express their political preferences.

AEISCID also expressed concern over Governor Nwifuru’s absence from the endorsement rally organised in his honour by Ezza stakeholders.

The association noted that the governor delegated his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, to represent him at the event where support was declared for his re-election. According to the group, the governor’s presence would have offered an opportunity to directly address concerns about political succession and future leadership arrangements in the state.

“Nothing would have been more reassuring for the great people of Ezza Ezekuna than a physical presence at the so-called second term endorsement rally at Onueke and a consequent public promise to handover power to an Ezza man in 2031,” the statement added.

Aligning with the position taken by the Umuekumenyi Leaders Council, AEISCID formally endorsed the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The group commended the council for what it described as courage and wisdom in supporting an alternative political platform. AEISCID also criticised the performance of the current administration, alleging that the state had experienced limited development under Governor Nwifuru.

According to the association, concerns surrounding an alleged opposition threat in Ebonyi should be addressed alongside broader governance and development issues facing the state. The group claimed that the administration’s major infrastructure project, the Vanco flyover and tunnel, remains unfinished despite being presented as a flagship achievement.

The association dismissed suggestions that political power should automatically rotate to a specific zone in 2031, describing such arguments as self-serving. AEISCID urged voters to focus on leadership capacity, competence and vision rather than zoning sentiments.

“Power, all over the world and since the history of Ebonyi State’s creation and the return of democracy has always been taken, and not given. Ezzas should therefore shine their eyes and vie to gain power like the rest of the State,” the group stated. The association further argued that resolving concerns surrounding opposition threat in Ebonyi and promoting issue-based politics would strengthen democracy and improve governance outcomes.

“2027 should be about who has the capacity to liberate Ebonyi from the shackles of misgovernance not the unreasonable feeling of zoning entitlement,” the statement added.

As political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election, AEISCID’s intervention adds to growing debates about leadership, democratic participation and development in Ebonyi State. The association urged voters to support candidates based on competence and performance while insisting that political competition must remain peaceful, inclusive and free from intimidation.