The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed reports suggesting a rift between Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, insisting that both leaders enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect.
The government also accused factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of twisting the governor’s remarks during a recent political rally to create unnecessary tension between the two political figures.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh.
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According to the commissioner, Governor Nwifuru never threatened Wike during the All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsement rally held on June 15, 2026, at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki.
“At no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike,” the statement said.
Omebeh explained that the governor only cautioned opposition elements allegedly using Wike’s name to spread false information and create political tension in the state.
He also clarified that the governor’s use of the word “consume” was metaphorical and referred to individuals who choose to violate the law despite repeated warnings.
The commissioner maintained that Nwifuru and Wike continue to enjoy a healthy political relationship and dismissed reports of any disagreement between them.
He urged the PDP to focus on resolving its internal challenges instead of attacking the Ebonyi State Government, adding that the opposition party no longer poses a significant political threat in the state.
The statement followed reactions to Governor Nwifuru’s remarks during the endorsement rally, where he alleged that some persons claiming to be allies of Wike had been telling residents that President Bola Tinubu had handed Ebonyi State over to the PDP.
The governor reaffirmed that Ebonyi remains an APC-controlled state and vowed that his administration would resist any attempt to destabilise the state’s political structure.
