Former National Assembly lawmaker and the Zonal Coordinator of Grassroots Advocacy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (GATFON) in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Chief Laz Ogbee, has declared that no indigene of Ezza extraction will contest the Ebonyi State governorship election in 2027, dismissing speculations of emerging opposition within the zone.
Ogbee made the assertion on Wednesday during the inauguration of the grassroots advocacy group in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, where political stakeholders reaffirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru’s second-term ambitions.
He described rumours of potential challengers from the Ezza bloc as baseless, insisting that any aspirant positioning to contest against Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru would have “failed on arrival.”
“There is no Ezza man coming out for governorship in 2027. These are mere insinuations. And if anyone attempts it, such a person has already failed even before the race begins,” he said.
Ogbee emphasized that the people of Ebonyi Central remain firmly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and are committed to delivering overwhelming support for both the president and the governor in the next general elections.
“We are fully on ground. From the wards to the polling units, we will not lose anywhere. The structure is intact, and the people are with us,” he added.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Mineral Development who was the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Chidi Onyia, urged youths to remain law-abiding while expressing confidence in the APC’s electoral strength.
“We are not just the ruling party; we are a party with structure and grassroots support. Once you have the people, you have nothing to fear. Every other noise is irrelevant when it comes to real politics,” Onyia said.
He stressed that political success is rooted in grassroots mobilization, noting that the APC’s enduring connection with the people would once again guarantee victory at the polls.
In his remarks, the Chairman of APC in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, cautioned party members against sycophancy and internal disloyalty, urging them to demonstrate genuine commitment to the party’s ideals.
“The party is watching. This is not the time for deceit or selfish ambition. Show your loyalty through action, not words. When the time comes, those who have worked sincerely will be rewarded,” Emegha stated.
He further disclosed that the governor remains in consultation with party leaders regarding future political positions, advising aspirants to exercise patience and align with party directives.
Speaking on behalf of local government leaders, the Executive Chairman of Ezza South LGA, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali, said the inauguration of the advocacy group was aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of Tinubu and Nwifuru.
Similarly, the Chairmen of Ikwo and Ezza North LGAs, Sunday Nwankwo and Moses Nome Ogodo Ali, respectively, affirmed that both leaders deserve a second term, pledging total support from their domains.
A representative of the National Coordinator of the group, Kizito Nwafor, described the initiative as a strategic platform focused on delivering electoral victories through effective grassroots engagement.
In the same vein, the State Coordinator of GATFON, Barr. Patrick Anayo Mbam, declared that no polling unit in Ebonyi would be conceded to opposition parties in 2027.
“The essence of this group is to ensure total mobilisation. We are confident that Ebonyi people will support the president and the governor when we engage them directly,” Mbam said.
In his acceptance speech, the Ezza South Coordinator of the group, Dr. Vincent Nweze, assured party leaders of total commitment, pledging to deliver 100 per cent votes across Ezza South, Ezza North, Ikwo and Ishielu local government areas.
The event drew attendance from party executives, elected officials, and grassroots mobilizers, all of whom echoed a common resolve to consolidate APC’s dominance in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
