Nigerian local council chair tells opposition to stay away ahead of 2027 elections
Newly sworn-in Ohaukwu Local Government Council Chair in Ebonyi State Paul Ituma has urged opposition politicians not to come to the area ahead of the 2027 elections unless they defect to his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and state Governor Francis Nwifuru. A video of his speech spread on social media on Wednesday, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Council chair's statement
Ituma spoke at a meeting after his inauguration. He said that from then on, he would consider as his enemies those who oppose Governor Nwifuru or the APC, and urged such people to stay away from Ohaukwu.
According to the council chair, opposition representatives may be received if they “submit” to his party. He also said that Ohaukwu was allegedly “cordoned off” for politicians who do not share this position and that they could be declared personae non gratae. Ituma added that politics is his business.
Governor's position and lawyer's assessment
Ituma's remarks came less than a day after Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru threatened to remove local council chairs from office if they fail to secure an APC victory in their areas in the 2027 elections.
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The governor told the newly sworn-in council chairs that the party could not be stopped from winning and that, after the victory, those who failed to carry out this task would be removed. Abuja-based lawyer Obioma Ezenwobodo told Premium Times Nigeria that the governor has no authority to remove local council chairs. He cited an Ebonyi State law regulating the work of local government bodies.
Other similar statements
The publication notes that this is not the first instance of threats against opposition politicians in Nigeria before or during elections. In August, Kuje Area Council Chair in the Federal Capital Territory Danjuma Shekwolo urged residents either to vote for the APC in 2027 or leave the area. After criticism, he said his words had been taken out of context and did not reflect the position of his administration.
Earlier, Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi, ahead of the gubernatorial election, urged APC supporters to “kill” rivals from the Accord party. His media team explained that he meant defeating opponents with votes, rather than violence. Police later invited the senator for questioning over the statement.
