By Isaac Mission 

A socio-political group, Ebonyi Community (EBOCOM), Abuja Chapter, has cautioned against any attempt to undermine peace and stability in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The group accused unnamed individuals of sponsoring protests and blackmail against Governor Francis Nwifuru and the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, describing the alleged activities as an attempt to disrupt the state’s progress.

EBOCOM made its position known in a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Idenyi Chinedu Edward, and Secretary, Comrade Elem Okoh.

The group said it remained committed to the governor’s peace agenda and expressed support for the police command’s efforts to maintain security across the state.

Group Accuses Critics of Undermining Peace Efforts

According to EBOCOM, recent protests and attacks directed at the Ebonyi administration were allegedly being driven by sponsored criminal elements, external agitators and local collaborators.

The organisation argued that some individuals were uncomfortable with the relative peace and development recorded in the state.

“We stand with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State.

“We also stand with the Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, and with every officer and man of the Nigeria Police Force who has worked tirelessly under the governor’s peace agenda to keep our state from sliding into the chaos that has engulfed other parts of this country,” the group said.

EBOCOM described the alleged campaign against the governor and police commissioner as a calculated attempt to undermine the state’s peace and progress.

The group maintained that Ebonyi should not be dragged into the kind of prolonged violence experienced in other parts of the country.

EBOCOM Petitions Inspector-General of Police

The civil group disclosed that it had formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as the activities of external collaborators and their local agents.

It warned that security authorities were aware of the alleged collaborations and that individuals whose actions threatened public peace could face legal consequences.

The organisation did not provide details of the petition or identify the persons it accused of involvement.

It, however, maintained that security agencies should remain vigilant as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 election.

Group Credits Nwifuru’s Peace Agenda for Security Gains

EBOCOM attributed improvements in security across parts of Ebonyi to Governor Nwifuru’s approach to conflict resolution and the policing strategy under CP Okafor.

It specifically mentioned Amankwo, Effiom in the Effium axis and other previously volatile areas as places where it claimed relative calm had been restored.

The group said the reported improvements were linked to dialogue, appropriate demarcation where necessary, the empowerment of traditional institutions and a firm stance against violence.

It contrasted Ebonyi’s current situation with security challenges in parts of Benue, Kogi and Borno states.

According to EBOCOM, the state’s preference for peace and dialogue should be protected rather than undermined by individuals seeking to profit from crisis.

Group Defends Governor’s Remarks to Council Chairmen

The organisation also came to the defence of Governor Nwifuru over comments he reportedly made while inaugurating newly elected local government chairmen.

Some critics, according to the group, had interpreted the governor’s remarks as threats to democracy.

EBOCOM rejected that interpretation, describing the comments as motivational instructions intended to ensure that the chairmen delivered on their responsibilities.

The group said the governor was right to remind the newly inaugurated council leaders that their primary duty was to provide effective governance at the grassroots.

It argued that firm leadership should not automatically be interpreted as an attack on democratic principles.

“Let us be clear and emphatic: those remarks were not threats. They were the words of a coach charging his team. Every serious leader who wants results speaks with firmness,” the statement said.

The group added that the governor had challenged the chairmen to ensure that the benefits of democracy reached residents in every ward.

2027 Election: Group Calls for Peace in Ebonyi

As political preparations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election, EBOCOM urged residents and stakeholders to protect the peace of Ebonyi State.

The organisation warned against actions capable of triggering violence or undermining the state’s development.

It reaffirmed its support for Governor Nwifuru and the police command, while calling for continued attention to security and good governance.

The group’s statement comes amid growing political activity across Nigeria as parties and political actors prepare for the 2027 elections.