Nwifuru Swears in 13 Ebonyi Council Chairmen, Demands APC Victory in 2027

Nwifuru Swears in 13 Ebonyi Council Chairmen, Demands APC Victory in 2027

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, on Tuesday swore in 13 elected local government council chairmen and their vice chairmen, charging them to consolidate the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the grassroots and ensure victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.

The governor, while inaugurating the newly elected council chairmen and their deputies at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, said the council chairmen occupied a critical position in the political structure of the APC, particularly at the grassroots level.

Nwifuru said their election was in line with the provisions of Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and subject to the relevant provisions of Section 8.

He charged the new council bosses to see their positions not only as administrative responsibilities but also as an opportunity to strengthen the party’s structures in their respective local government areas.

According to him, the APC would assess the performance of the newly elected chairmen largely on the basis of the party’s electoral fortunes in their respective local government areas during the 2027 general elections.

He said: “You have been delivered by our party, and it is now your duty to deliver the candidates of the party in your various areas. That is an APC priority.
“Like somebody showed to me this morning that the opposition says we are threatening them, we are not threatening you.
“We will threaten you when the time comes, with reasons. So, nobody is threatening you yet, but we are stating the facts and willing to follow our words with action.”

The governor further warned the council chairmen against allowing opposition political activities to undermine the APC’s political base in their respective local government areas.

“And if you allow anybody from the opposition to come to your local government with the mindset of causing trouble that would cause you to lose, deal with that person mercilessly, because at the end of 2027, APC will judge your performance using the 2027 elections,” he said.

Nwifuru also described the chairmanship of a local government council as one of the most difficult elective positions in Nigerian politics, urging the newly inaugurated chairmen to exercise caution and responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

“You are carrying the cross and the crown of the local government. Your actions are what people are watching, and this position you are newly occupying is one of the worst positions anyone can go for. It can either make you or destroy you,” he warned.

The governor’s remarks underscored the political importance his administration attaches to the local government structure ahead of the 2027 elections, with the newly elected chairmen expected to combine effective grassroots administration with strong party mobilisation.

Ebonyi State has conducted local government elections at various points since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
However, the tenures and elections of some past council chairmen have been challenged in court, with some judicial decisions affecting their tenure subsequently taken to higher courts.

Among those sworn in on Tuesday was Osborn Umahi, chairman-elect for Ohaozara Local Government Area and son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Others sworn in include Mrs. Peace Agwu for Ishielu; Hon. Paul Ituma for Ohaukwu; Friday Nwuhuo for Ezza North; Chinedu Mkpuma for Ezza South; Hon. Chidi Nwode for Ikwo; and Engr. Timothy Nwachi for Afikpo.
Also on the list were Ikechukwu Ogbofia for Onicha; Michael Kalu Anyim for Ivo; Chief Simeon Omezue for Edda; Mrs. Helen Aduga for Izzi; Hon. Chidiebere Alo for Abakaliki; and Hon. Chibueze Odigwe for Ebonyi Local Government Area.
Speaking in an interview after his inauguration, the newly sworn-in chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Chief Simeon Omezue, pledged to transform the council through rural development, youth and community empowerment, an agricultural revolution and other grassroots-oriented initiatives.
Omezue also pledged his continued loyalty to the APC and expressed commitment to supporting the party’s programmes and political objectives in the local government area.