By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has boycotted a significant political dialogue convened by major parties in Ebonyi State for the inaugural Stakeholders Political and Economic Summit.
Organized by various political parties in Abakaliki on Monday, the summit aimed to shift electoral discourse from slogans to substantive dialogue, encouraging voters to evaluate candidates beyond their manifestos.
Our correspondent reports that the theme of the summit was “Ebonyi on the Pathway to Good Governance and Economic Development.”
Candidates and representatives from the Labour Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Democratic Congress (NDC), Action Restoration Movement (ARM), and other parties participated actively in the event. Notably, the ruling APC and its candidates were absent.
Mr. Igwe Nwagu, the NDC governorship candidate, described the summit as highly educational and enlightening for all participating parties.
Nwagu emphasized that the event was non-partisan, aimed solely at benefitting the people of Ebonyi State and fostering inclusive democratic discourse.
Nwagu urged the electorate to support the advancement of democracy, not just in Ebonyi but across Nigeria.
He further stressed that electoral success should never be achieved through violence or conflict.
“For me, I am confident I am on the right track. My party, the NDC, is well-prepared and determined to win. Just as Peter is winning, so also am I winning,” Nwagu stated.
In his keynote address, Mr. Emmanuel Nwobo, former Leader of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, affirmed that the state is moving in the right direction to stimulate economic growth.
He highlighted the importance of electing visionary leadership capable of driving prosperity over the next four years.
“As we prepare for the 2027 elections, our focus must be on a leader with a clear vision to usher Ebonyi into a pathway of sustained prosperity. This is the leadership Ebonyi yearns for,” Nwobo remarked.
Mr. Chukwuma Igwe, PDP Chairman also praised the initiative, noting that the people of Ebonyi are uniting toward achieving good governance in the 2027 elections.
Mr. Steven Ifeanyi, State Chairman of NNPP, commended the summit, stating that Ebonyi is on the rise toward good governance and economic growth.
As of press time, the Ebonyi APC chapter had not issued an official statement explaining its absence from the political parties’ dialogue.