The Ebonyi State Government has denied claims that Governor Francis Nwifuru threatened the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a political rally in Abakaliki.

The government said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could not create a rift between Nwifuru and Wike by allegedly twisting the governor’s remarks at the endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abakaliki by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh.

Omebeh said Nwifuru did not at any time issue a threat against Wike during the rally held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

“The attention of the Ebonyi State Government has been drawn to press statements by the national leadership of the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as well as reports in some sections of the media, concerning remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, during the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates for the 2027 general elections held on June 15, 2026, at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki,” the statement read.

The commissioner said the governor only cautioned some opposition elements allegedly spreading fake news and propaganda in the state.

“At no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“In his speech at the event, the Governor only cautioned some opposition elements who are fanning the embers of crisis in the state and spreading fake news and propaganda in the name of His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to desist from such acts,” Omebeh said.

‘Consume’ Was Metaphorical
The government also clarified the governor’s use of the word “consume,” saying it was not directed at Wike.

Omebeh said the word was used metaphorically to warn those allegedly involved in acts capable of causing crisis in the state.

“The word ‘consume’ used by His Excellency was a metaphorical expression indicating that those involved in such acts would face the full weight of the law if they fail to retrace their steps,” he said.

He added that Nwifuru and Wike maintained mutual respect and cordial relations.

“Their Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru and Barr. Nyesom Wike, maintain mutual respect. As such, Governor Nwifuru has no reason whatsoever to make any uncomplimentary remarks or threats against Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“The attempt by the two PDP factions and some paid media hirelings to twist the Governor’s speech for selfish reasons and to create a rift between both leaders is uncalled for and should be discountenanced,” Omebeh added.

The commissioner accused the PDP factions of trying to score cheap political points rather than addressing the crisis within the party.

He said the opposition party should focus on resolving its internal disputes, which he claimed had weakened its structure.

“On the attempt to cast aspersion on the Governor and government of Ebonyi State by one of the PDP factions, we wish to counsel the party to be more concerned about resolving the numerous crises plaguing the party, which have rendered it almost non-existent, than commenting on the performance of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration.

“A party that has been unable to resolve its internal crisis for years lacks the moral rectitude to comment on governance issues,” the statement added.

Omebeh also claimed that the two PDP factions were “almost non-existent” in Ebonyi State and posed no threat to the ruling APC ahead of the next general elections.

The commissioner said residents of the state remained supportive of the Nwifuru administration and would demonstrate that support at the polls in 2027.

“The two PDP factions are almost non-existent in Ebonyi State and pose no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming general elections.

“The people of Ebonyi State remain in full support of His Excellency’s administration and will reaffirm this support with their votes in 2027. Opposition elements seeking relevance through fake news and propaganda should be prepared to face the law.

“The Ebonyi State Government maintains that any attempt to create an imaginary misunderstanding between Their Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru and Barr. Nyesom Wike, will fail like a pack of cards,” Omebeh said.