2027: Ebonyi APC Seals Consensus Candidates Harmonisation Accord

By Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has agreed to adopt consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party has concluded its harmonisation process, a formula initiated by the state governor, Francis Nwifuru. 

The exercise, which began on Thursday, was finalised late Friday night, with the attendance of former and serving senators, as well as members of the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly.

Although the names of the anointed aspirants have not yet been made public following the six-hour meeting, the outcome strongly indicates that party elders, stakeholders, and leadership are aligned with Governor Nwifuru’s model of internal democracy.

Insideoutnews observed that several serving House of Representatives members, whose positions had earlier remained unresolved, emerged jubilant alongside their supporters, who had waited patiently for the outcome of the meeting.

Among those affected was Anthony Ani, representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, whose candidacy had previously been inconclusive but has now reportedly been resolved in his favour.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, Governor Nwifuru said the meeting was convened to deliberate on key party issues and chart a unified course ahead of the elections.

“As the leader of the party, we convened a meeting of stakeholders to deliberate on issues concerning our party. The outcome reflects a collective agreement among members,” the governor stated.

Announcing the resolutions, former Senate President and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, said the consensus arrangement followed extensive consultations initiated by the governor.

According to Anyim, the process began on Tuesday after the governor engaged stakeholders across the three senatorial districts in consultative meetings.

 He described the exercise as productive and emphasised that all outstanding issues had been resolved.

“For the first time in the history of the state, stakeholders, the electorate, and party members were fully involved in selecting those who will fly the party’s flag,” 

“The implication is that no constituency will witness internal contest, as consensus has been reached on all elective positions for the 2027 elections.

“With this initiative, the elections will be easier for us to win. The names of the consensus candidates and their respective positions will be released in a formal statement soon,” he added.

However, it remains unclear whether the harmonisation process will receive the endorsement of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries of the arrangement—including members of the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the Senate—have already obtained nomination forms.

Notable among them are Hon. Chidi Nwoke (Abakaliki North Constituency), Hon. Oby Okoanyem (Afikpo North West), former Abakaliki Council Chairman Emmanuel Nwengele (Abakaliki South), and Mrs Esther Agwu (Ohaukwu North), among others.