Youth groups across the three senatorial zones of Ebonyi State on Wednesday formally declared support for the re-election of Governor Francis Nwifuru in the 2027 governorship election, presenting a sum of ₦40 million for the purchase of his All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms.
The youths, who converged on the APC state secretariat after embarking on solidarity walk within Abakaliki town, said their action was a demonstration of appreciation for what they described as the governor’s inclusive leadership style, youth empowerment drive, and infrastructural development across the state.
Speaking during the presentation, the National President of the FON Movement and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Comrade Chinedu Emerike, said the contribution symbolised the collective will of young people in the state to ensure continuity in governance.
He noted that the era of relegating youths to future leadership had passed, stressing that the current administration had integrated young people into governance through strategic appointments and opportunities.
According to him, “This is a statement to the entire federation that Ebonyi youths are united and resolute. We may not have much, but the little we have, we have brought together to support a leader who has shown us love and given us a sense of belonging.”
Emerike further attributed the prevailing peace across communities in the state to the policies of the current administration, adding that the youths were prepared not only to vote but also to mobilise support for the governor’s re-election.
Also speaking on behalf of the youths from Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Barr. Chika Igboke, commended the leadership of the APC and Governor Nwifuru for what he described as a paradigm shift in youth inclusion.
He said the governor had effectively dismantled the long-held notion that youths are merely “leaders of tomorrow,” insisting that under the current administration, “the future has already begun.”
Igboke stated that the visit to the party secretariat was essentially a “gratitude mission,” while also serving as a political statement of intent ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We are here to appreciate our governor and to reaffirm our commitment to his second term. The youths of Ebonyi State have resolved to stand firmly behind him and ensure his re-election,” he said.
He further called on other political actors nursing governorship ambitions to exercise patience and allow the governor complete what he described as his developmental trajectory.
In separate remarks, youth representatives from Ebonyi South and North senatorial districts echoed similar sentiments, citing tangible achievements in infrastructure, rural development, and human capital development.
Nnachi Okoro, speaking on behalf of Ebonyi South youths, said the endorsement followed a careful assessment of the administration’s performance within its short time in office. He highlighted road construction, bridge projects, and improved welfare for traditional institutions as key indicators of progress.
On his part, Felix Okemini, popularly known as Jango, who spoke for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, described the endorsement as “historic,” noting that no previous administration in the state had provided such level of inclusion for youths.
He emphasised that the mobilisation cut across the 13 local government areas and 171 wards in the state, underscoring what he termed “broad-based grassroots support” for the governor.
Okemini further asserted that the political landscape in the state strongly favoured continuity, declaring that there was “no vacancy” in the Government House come 2027.
Responding, the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, commended the youths for their show of loyalty and commitment to the party.
While acknowledging receipt of the ₦40 million, Emegha clarified that Governor Nwifuru had yet to formally declare his intention to seek re-election, noting that the party would act in accordance with due process once consultations were concluded.
He assured that the funds would be remitted to the appropriate party accounts when officially required and reaffirmed that the APC remained open to all aspirants in line with democratic principles.
The chairman, however, noted that the governor’s track record in public service including his tenure as a legislator and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly positioned him as a leader with deep understanding of governance and grassroots realities.
Emegha urged the youths to sustain the prevailing peace in the state and continue to engage constructively with the party leadership, assuring them that their interests would be adequately protected in future political arrangements.
In an interview, the Commissioner one in Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission, Arc Augustine Nwechara noted that the event drew participation from youth leaders, party stakeholders, and representatives from various communities across the state, saying that the occasion has reflected growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
