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A growing agitation for power rotation in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has intensified as stakeholders insist that the 2026 chairmanship position should be zoned to the Ezzagu community, in the spirit of equity, justice, and fairness.
The demand followed a planned solidarity rally by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ishielu, scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2025, in support of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Francis Nwifuru, and the incumbent council chairman, Mrs. Peace Ifeoma Agwu.
In a statement issued by the APC Chairman of the Council, Hon. Ikechukwu Abba, the One-Million-Man March will take off from Ezillo Junction by 7 a.m. and is aimed at mobilizing massive support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the inclusion of Mrs. Agwu’s reelection in the rally has sparked discontent among some stakeholders.
A pressure group under the aegis of Concerned Stakeholders of Ishielu Local Government Area described the move as “shocking and disappointing,” arguing that it undermines the long-standing rotational arrangement among the zones in Ishielu.
Speaking on behalf of the group, community leader Mr. Felix Ukpabi maintained that it was the turn of the Ezzagu zone to produce the next chairman of the council in 2026.
“As everyone knows, it’s the turn of Ezzagu zone to produce the next chairman of Ishielu LGA. This is not just a matter of zoning but a principle of fairness and equity that has guided our local government for years,” Ukpabi said.
He added that while the group fully supports the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, they strongly oppose any move to retain Mrs. Agwu as council chairman.
“We urge all stakeholders to reject this imposition and demand that the APC leadership respects the zoning arrangement. It’s time for Ezzagu zone to take the reins,” he stressed.
Veteran Journalist Declares Interest
Meanwhile, as political consultations gather momentum, a veteran journalist and former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Benjamin Nworie, has formally declared his interest in the Ishielu chairmanship seat.
Nworie, who also served as a member of the Governing Board of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), said his aspiration was driven by the need to address the longstanding marginalization of the Ezzagu zone and to consolidate the developmental strides of Governor Nwifuru’s administration.
“My aspiration will address the marginalization and injustice faced by the Ezzagu zone for over two decades. If not for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s intervention in the Ezillo–Ezzagu road construction, there would still be no access route to the heavily populated Ezzagu community,” Nworie stated.
He lamented that despite being the voting strength of the local government, the Ezzagu zone still lacks basic social amenities such as roads, electricity, water, and healthcare facilities.
“With experience and exposure, I will ensure that we consolidate the achievements of Governor Francis Nwifuru in Ishielu Council Area if given the mandate,” he assured.
The veteran journalist called on APC members and stakeholders to support his ambition and to remain committed to delivering total victory for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru in the 2027 general elections.
