2027: APGA Backs Nwifuru for Second Term,Candidate Steps Down
Governor Francis Nwifuru
From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State has endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement followed the decision by the party’s former governorship candidate, Chief Mrs Lucy Odom, and her running mate, Terry Alu, to formally announce their withdrawal from the governorship race.
The political realignment, which could be regarded as one of the first major political coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state, was announced at a gathering held at the party’s state headquarters in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on Saturday.
Chief Chikaodili Ojimba, the party’s senatorial candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, described the endorsement of Governor Nwifuru as a landmark political development.
Ojimba commended Odom and her running mate, Alu, for their decision, describing their action as an act of sacrifice and demonstration of trust in pursuit of a collective political objective. He assured them that APGA would not take their sacrifices for granted.
He urged party faithful to return to their respective constituencies and mobilise support for Governor Nwifuru’s re-election bid.
Ojimba, who emphasised that electoral victory could only be achieved through peaceful engagement and strategic mobilisation, cautioned supporters against engaging in political violence.
According to him, the endorsement was informed by the achievements of the Nwifuru administration, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, peace and development.
“The endorsement was informed by the achievements of the Nwifuru administration, particularly in infrastructure, peace and development.
“Violence does not win elections, and I urge APGA members to remain focused on delivering Governor Nwifuru and other candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections,” he stated.
Earlier, the APGA State Chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Nwankwo, said the endorsement was a deliberate decision by the party to sustain peace, unity and development in Ebonyi State.
Nwankwo, who presided over the gathering, said the party had resolved to support Nwifuru’s second-term ambition in recognition of what he described as the governor’s efforts to promote peace and political harmony across the state.
He described the endorsement as part of a progressive political collaboration between APGA and the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing suggestions that the two parties were working at cross-purposes.
“We endorse our dear governor to continue his good work. We endorse him because he has brought peace and unity among everybody.
“Also, we are using this opportunity to inaugurate our grassroots mobilisation structures across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State. Their responsibility is to lead door-to-door campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election,” he said.
