The Ebonyi State Government has rejected reports suggesting a disagreement between Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing the claims as an attempt by opposition elements to create unnecessary political tension.
The government said some factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were deliberately misinterpreting comments made by Governor Nwifuru during a recent endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday, stating that the governor’s remarks were not directed as a threat against Wike.
According to Omebeh, Nwifuru only warned individuals allegedly using Wike’s name to spread misinformation and fuel political unrest in the state.
He explained that the governor’s use of the word “consume” during the rally was not literal but a figure of speech, meaning that those who act against the law would face the consequences of their actions.
The commissioner maintained that Nwifuru and Wike share a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, adding that attempts by PDP factions and their supporters to portray a conflict between both leaders would not succeed.
Omebeh also criticised the opposition party, urging it to address its internal disagreements instead of focusing on attacking the APC-led government in Ebonyi.
He argued that a party struggling with unresolved internal issues lacks the credibility to question the performance of another administration.
The government further stated that the PDP factions in Ebonyi had little political influence and would not pose a challenge to the APC during the 2027 general elections.
The clarification came after comments by Governor Nwifuru at an APC endorsement rally held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki on June 15.
During the event, the governor alleged that some individuals linked to Wike had been claiming that President Bola Tinubu had handed Ebonyi State to the FCT Minister and his PDP faction.
Nwifuru said Ebonyi was not available for political control by outsiders and warned against any attempt to undermine the state’s political direction.
He stated that his administration and the people of Ebonyi would resist any move perceived as an attempt to take control of the state.
The governor’s remarks had sparked reactions, prompting the state government to clarify that there was no disagreement between him and Wike.