Youth leaders under the platform of Youth O’Clock Advocates, Ebonyi State Chapter, have called on the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Nwifuru, to ensure that the will of the people prevails in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a convention of the group, following what they described as a thorough search, wide consultations, and an objective assessment carried out in the spirit of equity and justice.
In the communiqué read by the group’s spokesperson, Wilberforce Oginyi, the youths commended the Governor for his democratic disposition and commitment to fairness, describing him as a true advocate of equity and justice.
They appealed to him to closely monitor party stakeholders and relevant institutions to prevent any actions capable of undermining a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
The group also urged the state leadership of the ruling party to subsidize the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms, noting that the current high cost could disenfranchise capable and credible aspirants who lack the financial resources to purchase the forms.
According to the youths, allowing only affluent individuals to contest would weaken grassroots democracy and shut out competent candidates with the capacity to deliver good governance at the local level.
They further emphasized the need for a level playing field for all aspirants, warning against politics based on kindred or sectional lines.
The communiqué stressed that leadership positions should be contested and occupied by individuals with proven integrity, sound character, and verifiable track records.
“As youths, we believe that those who aspire to lead must be people of unquestionable records, capacity, and commitment to public service,” the communiqué stated.
In line with their resolutions, the Youth O’Clock Advocates presented Comrade Azumini Peter as their preferred candidate to be screened alongside others for the position of Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area ahead of the 2026 elections.
The group described Azumini Peter as a seasoned academic, researcher, and social crusader with wide administrative and political experience.
They highlighted his educational background, leadership roles in youth and student organizations, and involvement in advocacy and mobilization initiatives at both local and regional levels.
According to the youths, his track record in character, learning, and service makes him a worthy example of the kind of leadership envisioned under the Youth O’Clock movement.
They called on the people of Ebonyi Local Government Area to support credible, youth-driven leadership that aligns with the ideals of accountability, excellence, and effective representation.
