Tension is rising in Ebonyi State as opposition parties and the All Progressives Congress (APC) trade blame over the alleged distribution of AK‑47 rifles to thugs ahead of Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections. On Sunday, the Director‑General of the Ebonyi Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign Council, Chief Austin Edeze, claimed that APC agents across the state’s 171 wards were planning to unleash violence on voters who opposed their candidate, Francis Nwifuru. He warned, “Heaven knows we were robbed in the last election, but we will not be robbed again. We know they come with violence and have amassed a lot of arms and ammunition.” Edeze said reliable information indicated that the APC had officially distributed four AK‑47 rifles per ward, which would total more than 1,500 rifles when combined with unofficial acquisitions. “The silence of the good keeps the evil multiplying, but we will not be silent,” he declared.
The “Wototo” slogan, now familiar to many in Ebonyi, describes the vulnerability of anyone who refuses to follow a particular party’s line. In response to the alleged threats, opposition leaders are urging security agencies to confiscate all unauthorized firearms, arguing that this would level the playing field and prevent voter apathy on election day. Two days earlier, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) alleged a plot by the ruling party to attack opposition members and rig the vote. APGA’s governorship candidate, Prof. Benard Odoh, and his supporters were declared wanted by the police, a move Governor David Umahi attributed to Odoh “sitting on the fence.” The state government had also implicated Odoh in the murder of HRH (Eze) Igboke Ewa, a traditional ruler from Umuezeokaoha community, a charge Odoh repeatedly denied, insisting the late monarch was his father and supporter.
Charles Otu, Director of Media and Publicity for the Ebonyi APGA Governorship Campaign Council, said the dangerous developments were even being reported by officials in Umahi’s administration. He called on the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to investigate the allegations, warning that they posed a threat to the electorate. Former state information commissioner Chief Abia Onyike echoed these concerns, stating that the APC’s alleged distribution of firearms could not be ignored. “Our DG revealed on Sunday that the ruling party plans to unleash mayhem on anyone who votes against its candidates,” Onyike said, adding that Governor Umahi’s governance has long relied on criminals and armed bandits to intimidate the populace.
Human‑rights activist Ugochukwu Oji, a member of the Old APC Legacy group, urged security agencies to prevent a repeat of the violence, disruptions, and ballot‑snatching that marred the February 25 polls. He called for increased police presence, noting that reports of APC agents distorting the electoral process with violence and theft must not be allowed to recur. Attempts to obtain comments from the Ebonyi State Police Command proved futile; new Commissioner of Police CP Faleye Olaleye did not respond to calls or messages.
In response to the arms‑distribution accusations, APC Publicity Secretary Simbad Ogbuatu dismissed the claims as fear‑mongering by the PDP, saying, “It is unfortunate that the PDP is scared of the forthcoming election. Only a scared party would accuse the ruling APC of distributing AK‑47 rifles.” He insisted the APC believes in its campaign and the rule of law. Similarly, APC Chairman and Special Security Consultant to the State Government, Chief Stanley Okoro‑Emegha, denied any procurement of weapons, labeling the allegations irresponsible. “The opposition plans to disrupt the election and is crying out to shift blame onto us,” he said. “We have no plans to procure arms; this election is about one man, one vote.”
Comments are closed for this story.