By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Youths in Ebonyi State, under the Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (FON) Youth Movement, have taken an early political step toward the 2027 governorship race, raising N40 million to purchase the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The group, led by its National President and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Emerike Chinedu Orji, stormed the APC secretariat alongside Hon. Mbam Obinna Emmanuel and supporters from the three senatorial districts, describing the move as a collective endorsement of the governor’s leadership.
They said the contribution was a show of appreciation for what they termed a youth-driven administration anchored on the “People’s Charter of Needs.”
Orji, speaking during the presentation, said the gesture signals a shift from rhetoric to action by young people in the state.
“The era of calling youths leaders of tomorrow is gone. Governor Nwifuru has brought young people into governance, and this is our way of backing him to continue beyond 2027,” he said.
Speakers from the three zones echoed the endorsement, citing infrastructure development, inclusion of youths in governance, and improved welfare for traditional institutions as key drivers of their support.
Receiving the delegation, APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, commended the initiative but noted that the governor has yet to formally declare his intention to seek re-election.
He said the funds would be محفوظ pending the official opening of the nomination process, assuring that the party remains open to all aspirants.
The event ended with a show of solidarity by the youths, signalling early momentum around Nwifuru’s possible second-term bid ahead of the 2027 elections.