Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has said he would rather seek the endorsement of the people of the state for a second term in 2027 than rely on endorsements from other political parties.
Nwifuru stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Oferekpe Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area during the Ebonyi State local government elections.
The governor, who is also the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, expressed confidence in his chances of securing re-election, citing what he described as his administration’s acceptance among the people and development projects across the state.
Nwifuru said other political parties should be expected to field candidates for the 2027 governorship election, stressing that competition was an important part of democracy.
“I am the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, but you should expect other political parties to field candidates for various positions in the elections,” he said.
The governor, however, said credible opponents could help improve governance by identifying areas where the administration needed to do better.
“An opponent is supposed to teach you what you don’t know because he will not hide your lapses,” Nwifuru said.
He attributed the peaceful conduct of the local government elections to the opportunity given to political parties and candidates to participate in the process.
According to him, the APC allowed the people to determine their preferred candidates at the grassroots, which he said contributed to the level of support recorded during the election.
Nwifuru also expressed confidence in the APC candidates who contested the council elections, saying they possessed the capacity to deliver effective leadership to the people.
On reports of possible endorsements from other political parties ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the governor said he was not interested in such endorsements.
“My desire is for the people to endorse me because that is the right thing. My administration has been working for the people and will continue doing so,” he said.
Meanwhile, Osborn Nweze Umahi, the 28-year-old son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, emerged chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area on the APC platform following the council election.
Shortly after his declaration, Umahi announced that he would forgo his salary and allowances throughout his tenure, saying the decision was aimed at directing the local government’s resources towards development.
He pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and improved service delivery in Ohaozara.
The Ebonyi local government elections were conducted across the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.
