EBONYI PDP YOUTH LEADER FAULTS NWIFURU’S THREAT TO REMOVE COUNCIL CHAIRMEN

The Peoples Democratic Party Youth Leader in Ebonyi State, Francis Okechukwu, has criticised Governor Francis Nwifuru over his warning that newly elected local government chairmen could lose their positions if they fail to deliver their councils to the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections. Okechukwu described the governor’s position as undemocratic, arguing that it undermines the constitutional principles governing local government administration and elected officials.

Nwifuru reportedly issued the warning while inaugurating the newly elected council chairmen on Wednesday, telling them that those who failed to deliver their respective local government areas for the APC during the forthcoming elections would be removed. Reacting to the statement, Okechukwu accused the governor of exercising undue pressure on elected officials and said political allegiance should not determine whether an elected chairman remains in office.

The PDP youth leader maintained that adherence to the Constitution should not be interpreted as weakness, stressing that his party would continue to defend democratic principles and the rights of citizens to participate freely in political activities. He urged PDP members across Ebonyi’s 13 local government areas to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while resisting what he described as attempts to intimidate opposition supporters or restrict their political activities.

Okechukwu also reminded the governor that his office carries a responsibility to protect the interests and constitutional rights of all residents, regardless of their political affiliation. According to him, a governor should promote fairness and confidence rather than create fear among elected officials and political opponents. He argued that using local government chairmen as instruments against opposition parties would amount to political persecution and weaken democratic institutions in the state.

The PDP youth leader further warned that any move to use the council chairmen to suppress opposition activities would be challenged through lawful channels. He listed the courts, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other constitutional avenues as options available to those who believe their democratic rights are being threatened. He nevertheless urged PDP youths to avoid violence, insisting that the party would continue to defend its political space through legal and peaceful means.