Former Ebonyi PDP Chairman, Barr. Ifeanyi Nworie, has accused the Ebonyi State Police Command of failing to protect party members during an attack on a rally in Ezza South LGA, despite a formal request for security.

Nworie, who defected to the APC after the 2023 elections and is now returning to the PDP, spoke with journalists in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 2, 2026, at Ikwuator village, Idemba community, during a rally organised to announce Nworie’s defection back to the PDP.

Over 50 suspected thugs stormed the venue, destroyed plastic chairs, canopies and other property, and attacked attendees. Ten PDP members and some journalists were injured.

The rally was moved to Nworie’s compound after the thugs disrupted the original venue at the village square.

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

“Instead of providing the needed security, they stood and watched while we were attacked.”

Nworie said he had written to the Police Command on July 31, 2026, notifying them of the event and requesting adequate security due to threats to his life and supporters.

Part of the letter read: “I have received a chain of threats to my personal life, my loyalists… It is against this background that I passionately applied for adequate security coverage/personnel from your good office to avoid the breakdown of law and order.”

However, the Police Command denied receiving any such letter.

In a statement, Command Spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said: “The command wishes to state unequivocally that no petition relating to any of the alleged attacks has been received by the Ebonyi police command.”

The APC in Ebonyi also denied involvement. State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, said the party does not support violence.

“So far, as it has to do with APC in Ebonyi State, we watch the body language of our governor, he doesn’t want to offend anyone.

“There is no time APC will have a hand in violence because you know that if you get into such an act, the governor will abandon you”, Emegha said.

He suggested those uncomfortable with Nworie’s political moves may have been responsible.