The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over alleged intimidation, harassment and killings of its candidates in some states, vowing to petition the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other relevant security agencies over the incidents.
The Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum and Imo State Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, disclosed this during a meeting between the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and state chairmen on Tuesday in Abuja, where he accused some state governments of creating a hostile environment for opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwachukwu said the forum had been compelled to intervene in the situation in Ebonyi State, where he alleged that intimidation, harassment and arrests had become rampant under the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
He said the forum’s leadership visited the state last week to address what he described as a disturbing situation, adding that a petition would be submitted to the IGP and other relevant security agencies.
The PDP state chairmen warned that the party would no longer tolerate alleged attacks against its candidates, particularly those seeking governorship positions, insisting that political contests should be conducted without threats to lives and personal safety.
“The killings and harassment of our candidates and governorship candidates, especially in various states of the country, must stop,” Nwachukwu said.
He added that the forum would not take lightly any further incidents involving the alleged harassment, intimidation or killing of its candidates, stressing that elections were contests in which a winner must emerge through a legitimate process.
Nwachukwu also reaffirmed the commitment of the state chairmen to working with the NWC to strengthen the party and secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
He congratulated the national leadership on its performance since assuming office, describing the state chairmen as committed partners ready to implement the decisions and directives of the party’s national leadership.
According to him, the attendance of the state chairmen at the meeting demonstrated their responsiveness and willingness to collaborate with the NWC in advancing the party’s interests across the country.
He said the forum remained determined to ensure that the PDP emerged victorious in the forthcoming elections, pledging the full support of its members for initiatives aimed at strengthening the party at the state and national levels.
Earlier, the PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, reaffirmed the commitment of the NWC to upholding the party’s constitution and established procedures in managing its affairs.
He said the leadership would ensure that all meetings and internal processes were conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines, insisting that no procedure would be disregarded under the current administration.
The national chairman specifically mentioned party caucus meetings and expanded meetings as part of the processes that would be maintained in line with the PDP’s established traditions.
He also commended the state chairmen for overseeing what he described as successful nomination processes for the party’s candidates for state Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate and governorship positions across the 36 states.
The chairman expressed optimism that the candidates would perform successfully in the 2027 elections, saying the NWC would work with other party organs to achieve the desired outcome.
He said the national leadership, working with the National Secretary and other NWC members, remained responsible for coordinating the party’s affairs across the federation and ensuring that its electoral objectives were realised.
According to him, the PDP leadership would do everything within its capacity to make the 2027 elections a turning point for the party and contribute to the country’s progress.
The national chairman also appreciated members of the NWC for their support, advice and contributions to the administration of the party, while formally welcoming the state chairmen to the meeting.
The meeting underscored the PDP leadership’s efforts to strengthen internal coordination, maintain constitutional procedures and mobilise its state structures ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid concerns raised by the state chairmen over the safety of opposition candidates in some parts of the country.
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