Members of opposition political parties in Ebonyi State have staged a protest against Governor Francis Nwifuru over remarks he made while inaugurating newly elected local government chairmen and their deputies.

The protesters urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police to intervene, expressing concern over what they described as the governor’s directive to the council chairmen ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The controversy stems from comments made by Nwifuru during Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony in Abakaliki, where he charged the newly inaugurated chairmen to ensure that the All Progressives Congress (APC) retains control of their respective local government areas.

Nwifuru reportedly warned the council chairmen against allowing opposition parties to secure victories in their councils during the 2027 elections, suggesting that failure to deliver their areas for the APC could have consequences.

“You must not allow the opposition to win in your respective local government councils during the 2027 general elections,” the governor said.

The remarks have triggered backlash from opposition groups, who accused the governor of using his office to influence the political activities of elected local government officials.

The protesters called on the police authorities to investigate the comments and ensure that all political parties are given equal opportunity to participate in the 2027 electoral process.

The development has heightened political tensions in Ebonyi as political parties intensify their mobilisation and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.