The Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has introduced restrictions on political campaigns and gatherings, directing political parties and groups to obtain prior approval from the council chairman before organising such events.
The directive followed a reported armed attack on the motorcade of a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Assembly candidate, identified as Nwali, in the Amaezekwe community on Thursday, amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the council chairman, Hon. Chinedu Mkpuma, said the measure was necessary to address the deteriorating security situation, protect lives and property, maintain public order and prevent further security breaches.
Although the chairman acknowledged citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, he warned that political gatherings within the council area must comply with the new approval requirement.
He added that anyone who violated the directive would face appropriate legal action.
Two Suspected Attackers Reportedly Dead
The restrictions came amid reports of an attack on Nwali’s motorcade as it returned from the Amaezekwe community on Thursday afternoon.
According to accounts cited in the original report, armed men allegedly attacked the convoy with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.
Security personnel attached to the NDC candidate reportedly engaged the attackers after ensuring the safety of Nwali and members of his team.
One of the suspected attackers was reportedly killed at the scene, while another allegedly died later in hospital. However, the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths have not been independently established.
A source identified the man allegedly killed at the scene as Jude Nwamgbada and claimed that the incident was connected to previous political violence in the state.
The allegations linking the suspected attackers to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have not been independently verified.
NDC Candidate Confirms Attack, Condemns Political Violence
Nwali confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, disclosing that his Toyota Hilux vehicle was set ablaze during the attack.
He expressed gratitude to security agencies for protecting him and his team, while lamenting the reported casualties among the attackers.
The candidate also appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians seeking power without genuine plans for their future.
According to him, no political ambition is worth the life of any young person.
He maintained that the attack would not discourage him from pursuing his political ambition or serving the people of his constituency.
Nwali further expressed sympathy for the families of those reportedly killed, stressing that the loss of human life was regrettable regardless of the circumstances.
Labour Party Candidate Condemns Attacks
Meanwhile, the Labour Party governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Eze Oko, condemned the reported attacks on opposition political parties and called for an end to intimidation and political violence.
Oko questioned the alleged targeting of opposition members and urged political leaders to stop using young people as instruments of violence.
He called for a fair political environment in which candidates and parties could campaign freely and compete on the strength of their manifestos, ideas and records of performance.
The Labour Party candidate also cautioned politicians against making inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged candidates seeking re-election to rely on their achievements rather than resort to intimidation or violence against their opponents.
Oko equally appealed to young people to reject political thuggery and extended his condolences to the families of those reportedly killed in recent violent incidents.
Calls for Investigation and Peaceful Campaigns
The latest developments have heightened concerns about political violence in Ebonyi State as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum.
There are growing calls for security agencies to investigate the reported attack, establish the identities and roles of those involved, and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Stakeholders have also stressed the need for political parties to conduct their activities peacefully and respect the rights of other candidates to campaign without intimidation.
While the Ezza South council’s directive is intended to address security concerns, its implementation will likely draw attention to the need to balance public safety with constitutionally protected rights to peaceful assembly and political participation.
The restriction announced by Mkpuma applies specifically to Ezza South Local Government Area. There is no confirmation in the report that a similar directive has been imposed across Ebonyi State.
