By Victor Nwegede
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has brushed aside the recent opposition coalition efforts, declaring them inconsequential to the party’s growing dominance and firm political hold in the state.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, said the ruling party is neither intimidated nor concerned by the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by opposition leaders in Abuja, insisting that Ebonyi remains a stronghold of the APC under the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State are satisfied with Governor Nwifuru’s performance and have no reason to consider aligning with any opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It’s an act of God that we have this Governor at this moment in our history. He listens to the people, his government is all-inclusive, and the people are happy with him. There’s nothing pushing anyone to join any opposition,” Okoro-Emegha said.
He maintained that the Governor has successfully collapsed major opposition structures in the state through good governance, political inclusivity, and grassroots engagement.
“Even if the coalition is gaining momentum elsewhere, it will not work in Ebonyi. Our Governor is doing exceptionally well, and the people are standing solidly behind him.”
Emegha revealed that even the few remaining opposition figures in the state are already in talks with the APC and will soon defect. He disclosed that a serving House of Representatives member will officially join the ruling party in the coming weeks, as part of the ongoing plan to fully neutralize opposition presence in the state.
“We are still committed to collapsing all remnants of the opposition. I have been in touch with some key figures, and very soon, one of them — a federal lawmaker — will cross over to our side.”
He urged APC members and supporters to remain confident, warning that the so-called coalition lacks the political capacity or grassroots presence to disrupt the APC's stability in the state.
“We are not panicking, and we urge our members not to panic. The masses are with us. The coalition will fail — they are just political wanderers moving from one platform to another in desperation.”
When asked about how the APC intends to manage the influx of opposition figures and their ambitions, Emegha emphasized that Governor Nwifuru, as leader of the party in the state, is well-equipped to make decisions that reflect the will of the people and preserve party unity.
“The Governor knows who is popular, who has integrity, and who can serve the people. Everything will be done according to the party’s rules and in the best interest of the state.”
The APC chairman also took a swipe at some opposition leaders who frequently change political platforms for selfish reasons, saying such individuals lack consistency and vision.
“It must not always be you. Any man with genuine ideas and leadership qualities won’t jump from one party to another every election season. Coalitions built on desperation will always collapse," he concluded.
