ABAKALIKI, Nigeria — A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Nworie, has accused the State Police Command of indifference to the safety of opposition members following an alleged attack on his supporters and journalists. Nworie, who recently defected back to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated this on Wednesday in Abakaliki.

Nworie alleged that over 50 suspected APC thugs disrupted a rally organized to announce his return to the PDP in Ikwuator village, Idemba community, Ezza South Local Government Area. The thugs reportedly destroyed property, including plastic chairs and canopies, and assaulted attendees and journalists covering the event. Ten PDP members sustained injuries, according to Nworie.

He further claimed that operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command were present but did not intervene during the alleged attack. Nworie stated that despite formally notifying the command of the event and requesting security, the police remained inactive while the violence unfolded.

“The police watched as the thugs stormed the venue and attacked me, beat my supporters and disrupted the rally,” Nworie alleged. “Instead of the police that I wrote to and notified to provide security for me and other PDP members to protect us, they couldn’t provide the needed security. They stood and idled around while we were attacked,” he lamented.

A letter dated July 31, 2026, purportedly sent to the police command, was presented to journalists. The letter detailed Nworie’s intention to officially rejoin the PDP on August 1, 2026, and expressed concerns about threats to his life and those attending the event. It requested adequate security to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

However, the Ebonyi State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu, denied receiving any letter or petition related to the alleged attack or the planned rally. The command stated unequivocally that no such petition had been submitted.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State chapter of the APC has denied any involvement in the alleged attack. Stanley Okoro Emegha, the APC Chairman, suggested that individuals uncomfortable with Nworie’s political decisions might be responsible. He emphasized that the APC in the state adheres to the governor’s directive to avoid causing offense and would not engage in violence.