Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has said he wants the people of the state to endorse him for a second term in the 2027 governorship election rather than seek endorsements from other political parties.
Nwifuru stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at his hometown, Oferekpe Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area of the state, during the local government elections.
The governor said he was confident about his chances of winning re-election because of his acceptance among the people and the development projects carried out by his administration.
Nwifuru, who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi State, said other political parties should be expected to field candidates in the 2027 elections.
“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.
He, however, said having opponents could be useful because they could identify weaknesses in the government and challenge the administration to do better.
“One should, however, expect to meet opponents who are reasonable, competitive and ready to expose your lapses.
“An opponent is supposed to teach you what you don’t know because he will not hide your lapses,” he said.
Nwifuru also attributed the peaceful conduct of the local government election to what he described as the opportunity given to political parties and candidates to compete fairly.
“The APC allowed the people to choose who will lead them at the grassroots, and that is why the support is massive,” he said.
The governor said he believed in the APC candidates who contested the council elections and expressed confidence in their ability to serve the people.
“I believe in the candidates of our party and their abilities to deliver the goods to the people who voted them.
“I believe other parties presented their own candidates, and that is why we are having a seamless process,” he said.
On reports that other political parties could endorse him ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Nwifuru 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.
The governor’s position is that the people of Ebonyi, rather than political parties, should determine whether he deserves another term in office.
His comments came as Ebonyi held its local government elections across the state. The exercise covered the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.
Meanwhile, Osborn Nweze Umahi, the 28-year-old son of Minister of Works David Umahi, emerged as the chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area on the platform of the APC.
After he was declared winner, Umahi announced that he would not collect salary or allowances throughout his tenure.
He said the decision was aimed at ensuring that the resources of the local government were used for development instead of personal financial benefits.
Umahi also pledged to prioritise infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and improved service delivery in Ohaozara.
