The people of Ibii and Ozizza communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have demanded chairmanship position in this year’s local government and councilorship elections in the state.
The two communities known as Ibii/Ozizza bloc in the local government, said they have not produced the position since the inception of the local government whereas other communities have had two or more turns on the position.
In a letter addressed to Governor Francis Nwifuru signed by some of the communities leaders including Nwachi Fredrick Otu, Nnali Francis, Eze Joshua, Godwin Obiahu, Alum Festus, Emmanuel Ezeali, Otu Clement, Elechi Egwu among others , appealed to Nwifuru to ensure the Ibii/Ozizza block was considered for the chairmanship seat in this year’s election and future ones
“It is heartbreaking that Ibii/Ozizza bloc has not, even for one day, produced a Local Government Chairman, while several other communities have had multiple turns,” the letter stated.
They opined that 2026 election presents an opportunity to end what they described as marginalization of Ibiii/Ozizza bloc and put an end to “not yet your time” slogan in the local government.
They appealed to key political stakeholders in the state, including former governor and Minister of Works, David Umahi to support their agitation for the bloc to produce the chairmanship position.
“We believe this administration can courageously end this ugly record and give Ibii/Ozizza the opportunity to produce the 2026 Afikpo Local Government Chairman,” the leaders stated.
They expressed confidence that granting their request would strengthen unity and deepen the spirit of fairness across Afikpo communities.
The leaders lamented that they were not consulted when the decision was reached on this year’s chairmanship position for the local government on which community that should produce the seat which they said has been an ugly trend contrary to what is obtainable in other local governments in the state.
They therefore appealed to Nwifuru to address the trend in the interest of unity, equity, justice, peace and development in Afikpo Local Government Area.