The Grassroots Advocacy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (GATFON) in Ebonyi State has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prioritise credible, widely acceptable and philanthropic candidates as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The group made the appeal during the inauguration of its zonal and local government coordinators at Nkaleke, headquarters of Abakaliki Local Government Area, an event that underscored its expanding grassroots mobilisation framework across the state.
In his remarks, the Ebonyi North Zonal Coordinator and Executive Chairman of Abakaliki LGA, Chief Stephen Ebere Nwogba, stressed the imperative of cohesion within party structures, noting that synergy among stakeholders would be critical to delivering electoral victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in 2027.
He assured that the newly inaugurated officials would work collaboratively to strengthen grassroots engagement and consolidate party support.
Similarly, the Ohaukwu Local Government Chairman, Prince Ikechukwu Odono, highlighted the importance of disciplined and sustained grassroots outreach.
He emphasised that electoral success would largely depend on effective penetration at ward, polling unit and household levels, urging party members to intensify voter sensitisation and close ranks ahead of the polls.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated officials from Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Izzi and Ohaukwu local government areas, Comrade Ben Nwovu reaffirmed their commitment to building a resilient grassroots network capable of sustaining the APC’s dominance in the state.
He underscored the centrality of candidate credibility, advocating transparent selection processes that would produce broadly acceptable flagbearers.
According to Nwovu, beyond party structures, the personal integrity, track record and philanthropic disposition of candidates would significantly shape voter behaviour.
He added that the group would align its mobilisation strategies with individuals who command genuine grassroots appeal.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of GATFON, Barrister Patrick Anayo Mbam, popularly known as Omata, outlined the operational blueprint for the newly inaugurated officials.
He directed the immediate replication of the group’s structure at ward and polling unit levels, stressing the need for consistent communication with the electorate through relatable messaging that highlights government achievements and fosters public trust.
Mbam noted that the decentralised structure would enhance responsiveness to local dynamics and ensure effective integration of communities into the broader political framework ahead of the elections.
Representing the Ebonyi State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, the party’s State Secretary, Chief Charles Ofoke, commended the group for its mobilisation efforts and reaffirmed the party’s support for the administration of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
He urged members to sustain their backing for the government, citing ongoing infrastructure development, road construction and investments in human capital across the state.
He highlighted what he described as landmark projects executed by the current administration, including improvements in road networks, educational opportunities through scholarship programmes in international institutions, and the development of critical infrastructure such as the state’s airport.
He maintained that these achievements position the APC favourably ahead of future electoral contests, while contrasting the party’s structure and performance with opposition platforms.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah, described GATFON as a formidable political vehicle working assiduously for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
He called on the people of Ebonyi State to remain united in support of what he termed transformative leadership.
In the same vein, the member representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze, lauded the Federal Government’s projects in the South-East, asserting that federal presence in Ebonyi State has been significant.
He expressed confidence in the prospects of President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Eze further commended Governor Nwifuru’s performance, citing strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure and human capital development as factors that have strengthened his re-election prospects.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from coordinators and stakeholders to deepen grassroots mobilisation, reinforce party structures and work collectively toward securing decisive victories for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
