The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Governor Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru threatened the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, describing the claims as a deliberate misrepresentation of the Governor’s remarks during the June 15, 2026, APC endorsement rally in Abakaliki.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, said Governor Nwifuru’s comments at the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates for the 2027 general elections had been taken out of context by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and sections of the media.
According to the statement, the Governor did not, at any point, threaten the FCT Minister. Rather, he cautioned opposition elements allegedly spreading false information and propaganda in Ebonyi State while invoking Wike’s name, urging them to desist from such actions.
The government explained that the Governor’s use of the word “consume” was purely metaphorical and intended to convey that individuals engaging in acts capable of undermining peace and public order would face the full weight of the law if they failed to retrace their steps.
The statement further emphasized that Governor Nwifuru and Barr. Wike enjoy a relationship founded on mutual respect, insisting that there was no basis for suggestions that the Governor made derogatory remarks or threats against the FCT Minister.
It accused the two PDP factions and what it described as “paid media hirelings” of attempting to distort the Governor’s speech to create unnecessary tension between the two political leaders, urging the public to disregard such narratives.
The Ebonyi State Government also criticized the PDP over its comments on the administration’s performance, arguing that the opposition party should focus on resolving its internal challenges rather than attacking the state government.
According to the statement, the PDP has been weakened by prolonged internal crises and lacks the moral authority to comment on governance in Ebonyi State.
The government maintained that the opposition remains politically insignificant in the state and poses no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reaffirming confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, the statement said the people of Ebonyi State remain firmly behind his administration and would demonstrate their support at the polls in 2027. It also warned that individuals spreading falsehoods and propaganda would be made to face the law.
The government concluded by insisting that attempts to fabricate a rift between Governor Nwifuru and the FCT Minister would not succeed.
