14/08/2026
PRESS STATEMENT
HURIDE CALLS FOR RESTRAINT, ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROTECTION OF POLITICAL FREEDOMS IN EBONYI STATE
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State — August 14, 2026
The Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE), Ebonyi State, has followed with serious concern recent reports of disruption and alleged attacks connected to opposition political gatherings in parts of Ebonyi State.
Of particular concern is the reported incident in Ezza South, where members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and journalists covering a political gathering were reportedly attacked, leaving several persons injured. While allegations have been made regarding the involvement of political actors, including persons suspected by victims to be associated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), HURIDE believes such allegations must be subjected to an impartial, credible and transparent investigation.
We therefore urge the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incidents, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, irrespective of political affiliation, position or status.
HURIDE equally reminds all political parties and their supporters that freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression are fundamental democratic rights. Political disagreements, defections, rallies, meetings and campaigns must never become grounds for intimidation, assault, destruction of property or the deployment of political thugs.
We acknowledge the position of the APC leadership that it does not support political violence, and we welcome the call by the Ezza South Local Government leadership for an end to intimidation, thuggery and political attacks. Such declarations, however, must be matched by concrete actions to prevent further incidents.
At the same time, opposition political parties and their supporters must conduct their activities peacefully and within the law. HURIDE will not defend violence or unlawful conduct simply because it is committed by persons belonging to an opposition party.
Our concern is not about which political party wins or loses elections. Our concern is the protection of the civic space and the right of every Ebonyian to participate freely and peacefully in political life.
HURIDE therefore calls on:
The Ebonyi State Government to ensure that no person or group is unlawfully prevented from holding peaceful political meetings or gatherings.
Security agencies to remain politically neutral, protect all lawful gatherings and investigate reported attacks without fear or favour.
The APC and all other political parties to publicly restrain their supporters from intimidation, violence and political thuggery.
Opposition parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid actions capable of provoking violence.
Victims of political attacks to document and promptly report incidents to the appropriate authorities to facilitate credible investigations.
Traditional, religious and community leaders to discourage political violence and help preserve the peace for which Ebonyi State is known.
As the state approaches the 2027 elections, political opponents must not be treated as enemies. Elections are temporary contests; the people of Ebonyi State remain permanent stakeholders.
HURIDE therefore urges all political actors to lower the temperature of political competition and allow citizens to make their political choices freely, without fear, coercion or intimidation.
We further call for independent, transparent and credible investigations into all recent incidents of political violence in the state. Where wrongdoing is established, the law must take its course.
Democracy is strengthened not when opponents are silenced, but when competing voices are allowed to coexist peacefully.
HURIDE remains committed to defending human rights, democratic freedoms, peaceful civic participation and the rule of law in Ebonyi State.
Dr. Sampson Oko Nweke
Chairman, HURIDE, Ebonyi State
