Ebonyi Council Restricts Political Campaigns, Orders Parties To Seek Chairman’s Approval For Gatherings Amid Violence
Ebonyi Council Restricts Political Campaigns, Orders Parties To Seek Chairman’s Approval For Gatherings Amid Violence
The Ebonyi State Government has imposed restrictions on political campaigns and gatherings in Ezza South Local Government Area, requiring political parties and groups to obtain prior approval from the council chairman before holding such events.
SaharaReporters gathered that the directive, signed by the Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Mkpuma, followed Thursday’s deadly security breach in the Amaezekwe community amid growing concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters, Mkpuma expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, describing the restrictions as necessary to protect lives and property, maintain public order and prevent further security breaches.
While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, Mkpuma warned that political gatherings in the council area must henceforth comply with the new approval requirement. He added that violations would attract appropriate legal action.
The directive comes amid heightened political tension in Ebonyi State following a reported attack on the motorcade of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Assembly candidate, Nwali, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of two suspected political thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
SaharaReporters gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as Nwali’s motorcade returned from the Amaezekwe community.
Sources told SaharaReporters on Friday that security personnel attached to the NDC candidate, after ensuring the safety of Nwali and his team, engaged the attackers, who were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.
The security operatives reportedly returned fire, killing one of the attackers at the scene, while the second allegedly died later in hospital.
One of the sources identified the man killed at the scene as Jude Nwamgbada.
“They are the same APC people that attacked journalists in September. They attacked NDC House Assembly candidate but DSS officers attached to him repelled them and killed one. The second one is also alleged to have died this morning in hospital though I don’t have concrete confirmation of his death. This one that died on the spot is Jude Nwamgbada,” the source said.
Nwali also confirmed the attack in a post on his Facebook page, appealing to young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians seeking power without genuine plans for their future.
Recounting the incident, he wrote: “My motorcade was attacked today by armed hoodlums who opened fire on our vehicles while we were returning from Amazekewe. My Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely burnt in the attack. Thankfully, we are all safe, and I sincerely appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of the security agencies who ensured our safety.
“I have also been informed that there were casualties among those who carried out the attack. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to those affected and their families. Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of human life is deeply regrettable.
“I want to appeal to our young people to please understand what we have been saying. Do not allow yourselves to be used by individuals desperate for political power who have no genuine plans for you or your families. No political ambition is worth the life of any young person, and no young person should have to lose their life in pursuit of another person’s political ambition.
“As for us, we are prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to serve our people, and I assure you that no amount of intimidation or violence will deter us from this course.”
Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Eze Oko, has condemned the reported attacks on opposition parties in the state, calling on political leaders to end the cycle of violence and intimidation.
Oko questioned why opposition members were allegedly being targeted and urged young people to resist being used as instruments of violence by politicians.
He called for a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, arguing that political competition should be based on ideas, manifestos and verifiable records of performance rather than thuggery and bloodshed.
The LP candidate also cautioned political leaders against making inflammatory statements that could heighten tensions during the electioneering period. He urged candidates seeking re-election to allow their achievements to speak for them rather than allegedly using political thugs to intimidate or eliminate opponents.
Oko further appealed to young people to reject political thuggery and extended his condolences to the families of those reportedly killed in the recent violent incidents.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, calls are mounting for security agencies to investigate the reported attacks thoroughly and ensure that political parties can operate without intimidation or violence.
The directive applies specifically to Ezza South Local Government Area. The information provided does not establish that the Ebonyi State Government has imposed similar restrictions across the entire state.
