The Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State, Comrade Innocent Igiri, has declared support for the re-election bid of Governor Francis Nwifuru ahead of the 2027 general elections and announced plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his supporters.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, Igiri attributed his decision to the Labour Party’s choice of a governorship candidate from Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, a move he said contradicts the state’s long-standing zoning arrangement.
According to him, the governorship position should rotate among the three senatorial zones Ebonyi North, Central, and South to ensure equity, fairness, and political balance. He argued that since Governor Nwifuru of Ebonyi North is serving the zone’s turn, he should be allowed to complete a second term in line with the established rotation principle.
Igiri also cited Governor Nwifuru’s achievements in infrastructure development, education, peace-building, and human capital development as key reasons for his endorsement.
The Labour Party chieftain revealed that the decision was reached after consultations with members of his political structure across the state’s 13 local government areas, insisting that the endorsement reflects a collective commitment to justice and fairness.
He further alleged that the Labour Party in Ebonyi is grappling with deep internal divisions and warned that the crisis could worsen before the 2027 elections if not urgently addressed.
Igiri expressed concern that unresolved disputes within the party could weaken its electoral prospects, maintaining that the Labour Party risks poor performance in future elections unless unity is restored.
He described Governor Nwifuru as a responsive and accessible leader, commending his approach to governance and relationship with political opponents.
The development is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Ebonyi State as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.
