By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Stakeholders in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Saturday rallied behind Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, declaring support for his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
The position was reached at a well-attended meeting held at the council headquarters in Iboko, where traditional rulers, political figures, community leaders, youths, women groups, and other key actors converged in what observers described as a major show of grassroots unity.
Chairman of Izzi LGA, Steve Emenike Nwankpa, said the decision reflected the collective will of the people following broad consultations across the 18 autonomous communities in the area.
“Power resides with the people, and today’s convergence of the young and the old, men and women, across all communities, is a symbolic affirmation of collective resolve. After a critical appraisal of governance outcomes, the people have taken a position to sustain continuity,” he said.
He noted that the meeting, initially convened to deliberate on security and development, eventually produced a unanimous endorsement of the governor, citing achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and education as key drivers of the support.
Nwankpa also urged opposition parties to reconsider any plans to challenge the governor in 2027, advising them to focus instead on policy contributions.
“Given the prevailing performance benchmarks, opposition elements should consider offering policy alternatives rather than electoral confrontation,” he said.
The gathering also endorsed Hellen Aduga as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for the August 2026 local government election, with Nwankpa describing her as capable of sustaining ongoing grassroots reforms.
Former senator representing Ebonyi North, Senator Chris Nwankwo, described the endorsement as timely and strategic, urging citizens, especially young people, to take advantage of their numbers in shaping political outcomes.
“Democracy is fundamentally a game of numbers,” Nwankwo noted.
Elder statesman, Engr Elias Mbam, alongside industrialist Arc Edward Nkwegu, commended the governor’s performance, highlighting scholarship schemes, human capital development and infrastructure projects as indicators of progress.
The motion endorsing the governor was moved by representatives of the village heads and supported by town union leaders, reflecting a unified stance across community structures.
Other speakers, including Dr Sunday Nwangele, Prince Richard Idike, Dr Moses Ekuma and Chijioke Nwuzor, called on residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process, assuring that the endorsement would translate into strong voter support in 2027.