By Isaac Mission
The South-East caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent and impartial electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party made the demand after a meeting involving members of its South-East working committee and governorship candidates from Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu states. Discussions focused on the political situation in the region, security concerns, the party’s preparedness, INEC’s neutrality and its prospects in the forthcoming elections.
In a communiqué signed by the PDP South-East National Vice Chairman, Chief Ray Nnaji, and Secretary, Hon. Mike Ahumibe, alongside the three governorship candidates, the party called for an electoral environment where voters would be free to choose candidates of their preference.
The PDP also raised allegations of poor governance across some states in the region. It criticised what it described as the heavy debt burden in Abia, neglect of rural communities, pensioners and civil servants, as well as what it termed poor performance by the Ebonyi State government.
The party further alleged that the recent Enugu bye-election was marred by violence and intimidation. It described the June 20, 2026 exercise as being characterised by widespread thuggery and the use of weapons, while alleging that the violence was linked to the incumbent administration.
The South-East PDP also expressed concern over what it called threats and attacks against opposition members in Ebonyi and Enugu states.
It particularly criticised Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State over alleged inflammatory statements against political opponents, arguing that such rhetoric was inappropriate for a public office holder expected to protect all residents irrespective of political affiliation.
On its electoral prospects, the PDP maintained that it remains deeply rooted in the South-East and has significant support across the region.
The party argued that what it described as the poor performance of the Ebonyi and Enugu administrations could work against the governors if the 2027 election is conducted under credible conditions.
It also accused the Enugu administration of imposing what it described as excessive taxation on residents while pursuing an elitist style of governance.
In Abia, the opposition party alleged that the state’s debt situation, coupled with what it described as inadequate attention to rural communities, pensioners and civil servants, could become a major electoral issue.
The PDP consequently appealed to the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to closely monitor political developments in the South-East.
It specifically called for scrutiny of the activities of security personnel in Ebonyi, alleging that the state’s Commissioner of Police had failed to respond adequately to petitions and concerns raised by opposition parties.
The party also praised its national leadership for conducting what it described as peaceful and litigation-free screening exercises and primaries, saying the processes produced candidates with credible backgrounds and records of experience.
The South-East leadership equally commended PDP National Chairman Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, National Secretary Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu and other members of the National Working Committee for their roles in the party’s recent activities.
It also praised the party’s national leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing his leadership as dynamic and crediting him with strengthening the PDP’s position as a major opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
