A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Nworie, has accused the state police command of failing to protect opposition members and other supporters during an alleged attack on a PDP rally in Ezza South Local Government Area.

Nworie made the allegation on Wednesday during a meeting with journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

The former PDP chairman, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the 2023 general elections, recently returned to the PDP. He alleged that he, his supporters and journalists were attacked by more than 50 thugs suspected to be working for the APC.

According to him, the incident occurred at Ikwuator village, Idemba community, where a rally was organised to formally announce his return to the PDP.

Nworie said the event, initially scheduled for the village square, was moved to his compound after the suspected thugs allegedly invaded the venue and disrupted the gathering.

He alleged that the attackers destroyed plastic chairs, canopies and other property, while assaulting people suspected of attending the rally.

He further claimed that about 10 PDP members sustained injuries and that journalists covering the event were also attacked.

Nworie accused the police of watching as the alleged attackers disrupted the rally, despite his prior request for security.

“The police watched as the thugs stormed the venue and attacked me, beat my supporters and disrupted the rally,” he alleged.

He said he had written to the police command on July 31, 2026, notifying it of the event and requesting adequate security due to alleged threats to his life and those of his supporters.

However, the Ebonyi State Police Command denied receiving any letter or petition concerning the event or the alleged threats.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, the police said no petition relating to the alleged attack had been submitted to it.

“The command wishes to state unequivocally that no petition relating to any of the alleged attacks has been received by the Ebonyi Police Command,” Ukandu said.

Meanwhile, the APC in Ebonyi State has denied any involvement in the incident.

The state APC Chairman, Stanley Okoro Emegha, said individuals who were unhappy with Nworie’s political activities could be responsible for the alleged attack, insisting that the APC had no role in violence.

He said the party was committed to following the position of Governor Francis Nwifuru and would not engage in actions that could undermine his administration.

The conflicting accounts have left the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack disputed, with Nworie maintaining that he had requested police protection while the police insist that no such request was received.