By Victor Nwegede
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has endorsed a number of incumbent federal lawmakers for return tickets ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the 2027 general elections, while deferring decisions in constituencies affected by intra-party disputes.
Nwifuru, who doubles as the APC leader in the state, unveiled the endorsements during a series of stakeholder consultations held across the three senatorial districts.
At the APC State Secretariat in Abakaliki, during a meeting with stakeholders from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, the governor ratified the return ticket for Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi. He attributed the decision to a consensus among party leaders and the absence of opposition to the senator’s second-term ambition.
According to the governor, the endorsement followed extensive consultations aimed at preserving party cohesion ahead of the primaries.
“There is no dissenting voice against his aspiration; therefore, the party will support his return in the interest of continuity and effective representation,” he said.
In Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Nwifuru similarly endorsed Senator Ken Eze for a second term.
The governor also approved return tickets for Hon. Chinedu Ogah, representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, for a third term, and Hon. Joseph Nwobashi of Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency for a second term.
However, decisions on several other constituencies were deferred to allow for further consultations, particularly in areas where competing interests have heightened tensions within the party.
In the Abakaliki/Izzi and Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituencies represented by Hon. Emmanuel Uguru and Hon. Eze Nwachukwu, respectively, the governor directed that deliberations be stepped down until Friday to facilitate broader consensus-building.
A similar approach was adopted in Ebonyi South Senatorial District, where the incumbent, Prof. Anthony Ani, is seeking a second term amid internal contestation. Nwifuru said consultations would continue before a final decision is reached.
Political dynamics in the zone have intensified following the declaration of interest by Austin Umahi, younger brother of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who has publicly criticised the performance of the incumbent senator.
In Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, the governor also withheld immediate endorsement amid strong opposition to the incumbent, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma.
Likewise, the process was deferred in Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, where competing interests including that of Barrister Eni Iduma Chima have necessitated further stakeholder engagement over the seat currently held by Hon. Iduma Igariwey.
Across the 24 state constituencies, the exercise yielded mixed outcomes, with some lawmakers cleared for return tickets, others displaced by emerging aspirants, and several cases left unresolved pending additional consultations.
The stakeholder engagements were held at multiple venues, including the APC State Secretariat, the Christian Ecumenical Centre, and Re-Meritona Hotel in Abakaliki, as part of efforts by the party leadership to harmonise positions and mitigate intra-party conflicts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Party sources indicated that the ongoing consultations reflect a broader strategy by the state leadership to balance continuity with inclusiveness, while managing internal contestation in a calibrated manner.
