The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the attempted assassination of its Anambra State governorship candidate, Jude Ezenwafor, ahead of the November 8 election.

In a statement issued Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The party emphasized that the attack would not deter its commitment or the candidate’s ambition.

According to reports, Ezenwafor was ambushed by unidentified gunmen in Abuja while returning from an engagement. The PDP suggested that the attack was politically motivated, blaming it on forces threatened by Ezenwafor’s growing support base.

"After a thorough review of the violent attack, the PDP believes certain individuals, uneasy with our candidate’s rising popularity, are desperate to eliminate him from the race," the statement read.

The party also revealed that it has uncovered further plots by anti-democratic elements in Anambra State to launch a series of smear campaigns against Ezenwafor, following the failure of the assassination attempt.

Describing the attack as a disturbing reflection of the country’s deteriorating security under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP criticized the current administration for what it called gross incompetence and insensitivity.

“To the attackers and their sponsors, we say this: your evil agenda has failed and will continue to fail. Our candidate is divinely favored, enjoys widespread public support, and remains poised for victory,” the statement continued.

The PDP called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately apprehend the culprits and boost security around Ezenwafor in the run-up to the election.

The party concluded by encouraging Ezenwafor to remain undeterred, declaring, “Anambra is PDP territory, and no amount of violence, blackmail, or propaganda will shake our resolve to deliver a transparent, people-focused, and result-oriented government to the state.”