The political atmosphere in Ohaukwu North State Constituency of Ebonyi State is gathering momentum as various communities and stakeholders continue to rally support for the second term bid of Governor Francis Nwifuru, while mounting pressure on Chief Chinedu Awo to recontest for the State House of Assembly seat.
In a show of unity and political solidarity, delegations from Ngbo communities across all wards in the constituency paid a courtesy visit to Chief Awo at his Abakaliki residence, declaring their unwavering support for both the governor and the former lawmaker.
The visit, which drew party faithfuls, youth groups, and stakeholders, underscored what observers describe as a growing grassroots movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the visit, the Ishingbo Ward APC Chairman and Coordinator of Ikeoha One Million Youth Vanguard, Comrade Monday Ede, alongside his counterpart from Okposhi Ward 1, Comrade Friday Utoo, said the people of Ngbo had carefully assessed Chief Awo’s leadership track record and resolved to call on him to return to the State Assembly.
They maintained that his past performance and accessibility to the people distinguished him as the preferred candidate for effective representation.
The groups also commended Governor Nwifuru’s administration for what they described as impactful governance and inclusive development across Ebonyi State.
They pledged to mobilize massive grassroots support to ensure his reelection, stressing that continuity would further consolidate the gains already recorded.
Other stakeholders, including former Coordinator of Ngbo North Development Centre, Mr. Onyekachi Echem; women leader, Mrs. Virginia Ominyi; and Mr. Sunday Utoo, described Chief Awo as a committed leader whose contributions have positively transformed lives within the constituency.
They highlighted his role in facilitating employment opportunities, empowerment initiatives, and his contributions toward restoring peace in the once-troubled Effium community.
In a similar development, the people of Ezekuna and Alioma Ezekuna autonomous communities also declared their endorsement for Governor Nwifuru’s second term and urged Chief Awo to heed the growing calls to recontest the Ohaukwu North seat.
The endorsement came during a massive gathering of stakeholders from the ten clans of the communities, who converged on Chief Awo’s residence in a surprise show of support.
Delivering a welcome address, Chairman of Ezza Clan (Abakaliki Branch), Chief Ben Elechi, expressed gratitude to Chief Awo for what he described as transformative leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He also appreciated Governor Nwifuru for appointing Awo into his administration, noting that the decision had brought tangible benefits to the area.
Similarly, APC Chairman of Wigbeke Ward 2, Mr. Michael Ufoo, praised Chief Awo as a detribalized politician whose efforts have contributed significantly to the restoration of peace in Effium, as well as the attraction of developmental projects and employment opportunities.
He emphasized that the people of Ohaukwu North were united in their resolve to support both Awo and the governor.
Adding their voices, community leaders including Chief Emmanuel Igboke-Owuru, Chairman of the event; President General of Alioma Ezekuna Development Union, Chief Monday Eze; and stakeholder Dr. Joseph Utobo, lauded Chief Awo’s sustained interventions in human capital development and peacebuilding efforts.
They reiterated their commitment to supporting his political ambition, alongside Governor Nwifuru’s reelection.
Responding to the overwhelming endorsements, Chief Awo expressed deep appreciation for the show of confidence reposed in him by the people. He acknowledged their support as a call to greater service and disclosed his willingness to contest the Ohaukwu North State Constituency seat, subject to the approval of the party leadership.
While thanking Governor Nwifuru for what he described as unprecedented development and peace across the state, Chief Awo assured the people that their continued support would inspire him to deliver even more impactful representation if given the mandate.
The events were attended by party chieftains, ward and booth coordinators, youth leaders, and stakeholders from across Ngbo, Effium, and other parts of Ohaukwu North, all of whom pledged their loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
