Political tensions are escalating in Ebonyi State as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchange serious allegations over the procurement of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The PDP has accused the state government and the ruling APC of planning to use claims of illegal PVC dealings as a pretext to harass, arrest, and intimidate opposition members. Through its Publicity Secretary, Darlington Onwe, the party warned that such actions could weaken political opposition ahead of the polls. Onwe also raised concerns over an alleged attack on journalists and party supporters during a political event in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing it as part of a broader atmosphere of political intimidation.
The APC and the state government have rejected the accusations, describing them as unfounded. APC State Chairman Stanley Okoro Emegha challenged the PDP to provide evidence of any planned arrests or intimidation. Emegha countered that some PDP members had already been arrested following a petition concerning an individual allegedly sent to buy PVCs from residents, including elderly women. He said the controversy stems from efforts to protect the integrity of the electoral process and questioned why anyone would pay N5,000 to obtain voters’ cards.
The dispute has become a flashpoint in Ebonyi’s emerging 2027 political contest, raising questions about voter freedom, electoral integrity, and the conduct of major political parties. With the election still months away, the unfolding controversy suggests the political temperature in the state may continue to rise as parties position themselves for the general election. Both sides have called for adherence to electoral rules, even as they Trade blame over the PVC controversy that threatens to define the pre-election period in the southeastern state.
