By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Political leaders and stakeholders in Ebonyi State have endorsed the continuation of the governorship zoning arrangement, resolving that Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone should retain the position in the 2027 electoral cycle, with Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South to take their turns in 2031 and 2039, respectively.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders’ Political Summit held on Tuesday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.
The summit, which had as its theme, “Orderly and Peaceful Political Transition in Ebonyi State: The Way Forward,” brought together political leaders and stakeholders from different political parties, senatorial zones, local government areas and sectors of public life to deliberate on the state’s political future.
According to the communiqué, the proposed arrangement would see Ebonyi North retain the governorship from 2023 to 2031, Ebonyi Central occupy the position from 2031 to 2039, and Ebonyi South take over from 2039 to 2047.
The summit called for the preservation of the zoning understanding, arguing that equity, fairness, mutual trust and inclusive political representation were essential to sustaining peaceful coexistence in the state.
It also urged stakeholders not to truncate or alter the proposed rotation arrangement, while calling for the equitable distribution of amenities across the three senatorial zones.
The communiqué noted that successive governors of the state since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999 had emerged from the three senatorial zones, with each serving two four-year terms.
The administrations of the state’s first civilian governor, Senator Sam Ominyi Egwu, from Ebonyi North; Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi, from Ebonyi Central; and Senator David Nweze Umahi, from Ebonyi South, were cited as part of the state’s political history of senatorial rotation.
The summit urged political leaders and stakeholders to sustain dialogue, fairness and mutual accommodation in addressing questions surrounding the 2027 governorship succession.
It further called on political parties, aspirants and their supporters to pursue their ambitions through lawful and democratic means, warning against hate speech, misinformation, intimidation, political violence and other actions capable of undermining public order.
The participants also urged security agencies, electoral authorities and the media to contribute to a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process.
The summit reaffirmed that peace, unity and political stability were essential to the continued development of Ebonyi State, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the state’s cohesion.
It also acknowledged the development initiatives of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration, particularly those associated with the People’s Charter of Needs, including infrastructure, rural development, education, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development, women’s empowerment and youth development.
The gathering was attended by the first civilian governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Ominyi Egwu; Governor Francis Nwifuru, who attended as Special Guest of Honour; former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former governor Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi; and former governor and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The summit expressed hope that the spirit of consultation and cooperation demonstrated at the gathering would extend beyond the 2027 electoral cycle and strengthen political collaboration in the state.
It urged leaders and citizens to translate the resolutions into practical commitments capable of safeguarding peace, deepening democratic culture and advancing the welfare of Ebonyi residents.