2027 elections: Nwifuru, Umahi rally Ohanivo support for APC in Ebonyi

Ebonyi state governor, Francis Nwifuru, has called on the people of Ohanivo to sustain their support for his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying their backing for his second-term bid had demonstrated their confidence in his leadership.

Nwifuru spoke at the 2026 Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival in Ohanivo, where he said: “Today is my first time receiving a blessing personally for my second term in office. I believe in your sincerity. I believe in your love and trust for me.”

The governor said the people had demonstrated their commitment to his administration, adding: “You showed capacity and made me believe in you, and I am very, very grateful. That is all I expected to get from you, and you have reached one hundred per cent.”

Nwifuru also commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his contributions to the development of Ebonyi and the Southeast, saying: “He is representing us, the people of this great state and the Southeast of Nigeria, very effectively.”

He urged the people to support Senator Anthony Okorie and the member representing the area in the House of Representatives for another term, arguing that legislative performance should not be measured only by the number of projects, appointments or jobs secured.

“His primary responsibility is to represent us, speak for us and move motions that will attract notable development to Ebonyi South Senatorial District,” the governor said, while urging residents to support the two legislators.

The governor also appealed to voters in the area to support members of the Ebonyi state House of Assembly, saying they had supported his administration and worked for the good governance of the state.

On infrastructure, Nwifuru recalled that his deputy had, during last year’s New Yam celebration, promised the road from Oshiiri Junction to Ukulangu, but said work had yet to commence.

He expressed optimism that Umahi’s intervention would help advance road development in the area.

“He is our father, and I want to promise you that he has the capacity. He has a son who is now the governor, and many of his friends are doing very well. We are not afraid to make any promise because we have a very committed and reliable father who can do wonders,” Nwifuru said.

In his remarks, Umahi declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC, saying: “My leadership goal is to educate our people. We are for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are all for him.”

He added that he and other Ebonyi leaders were committed to supporting the administration and APC candidates.

Umahi also declared: “From today, we must open our mouths to let them know that there is no vacancy in Ebonyi State. There is no vacancy for other parties in the administration.”

He said the APC movement in the Southeast could not be deceived and expressed confidence in continued support for Tinubu.

The former governor also highlighted infrastructure and investment initiatives in Ebonyi, saying about 30 kilometres of the 32-kilometre Abakaliki–Ohanivo road had been completed.

He criticised what he described as misinformation about the state on social media and referenced investment and estate-development laws enacted in 2019 and 2022.

Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Chairman of the festival’s Central Planning Committee, Chinedu Nkah, said the celebration promoted culture, unity, tourism and economic activity, while Chairman of the occasion, Mr Enekwachi Akpa, urged residents to remain peaceful and focus on development before declaring the 2026 Iri Ji New Yam Festival open.