Ebonyi Govt Denies Nwifuru Threatened Wike, Blames PDP For Misrepresentation

The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed claims that Governor Francis Nwifuru threatened the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during an endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The government described the allegation as false and accused factions of the Peoples Democratic Party of attempting to create unnecessary tension between Nwifuru and Wike.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebe, said the governor’s remarks at the June 15 endorsement rally held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium had been deliberately taken out of context.

According to Omebe, Nwifuru’s comments were directed at opposition figures allegedly fuelling unrest in the state and spreading misinformation while invoking Wike’s name, not at the FCT minister himself.

He explained that the governor’s use of the word “consume” was purely metaphorical, warning that individuals inciting instability and spreading falsehoods would face the full weight of the law if they failed to desist.

Omebe further maintained that Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, insisting there was no reason for the governor to issue threats or make derogatory remarks against the minister.

He accused the PDP and some media outlets of distorting the governor’s speech to serve political interests and create the false impression of a rift between the two leaders.

The commissioner also urged the opposition party to focus on resolving its internal crisis rather than criticising the Ebonyi State Government, arguing that the PDP had been weakened by prolonged internal disputes and no longer posed a significant political challenge in the state.

He expressed confidence that residents of Ebonyi State would continue to support the Nwifuru administration and reaffirm that backing at the 2027 polls.