Stakeholders in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have unanimously endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for a second term in office, citing wide-ranging development strides, improved security, and sustained investment in human capital across the state.
The endorsement was the outcome of a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday at the ALGON Conference Hall in Abakaliki, where political leaders, community representatives, and party officials converged to assess the administration’s performance and chart a common political direction ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Chairman of Onicha LGA, Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbuoffia, said the decision followed a comprehensive review of the governor’s stewardship, which he described as impactful and inclusive. According to him, the people of Onicha were convinced that continuity in leadership would consolidate ongoing development efforts.
He pointed to extensive road construction projects across communities, improved educational infrastructure, and multiple interventions in public facilities as clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to grassroots transformation.
“Virtually all communities in Onicha can point to either completed or ongoing road projects,” he said, adding that the scale of development reflects a deliberate policy thrust anchored on equitable growth.
The motion endorsing the governor’s re-election was moved by the lawmaker representing Onicha East State Constituency, Hon. Celestine Ogba, and seconded by Hon. Charles Onu of Onicha West Constituency. It was subsequently adopted through a unanimous voice vote, effectively positioning the governor as the consensus candidate of the area for the 2027 poll.
Community leaders who spoke at the meeting reinforced the endorsement with sector-based assessments of the administration’s performance.
Speaking for Ukawu Autonomous Community, Timothy Odah attributed the prevailing peace in the area to the governor’s leadership, noting that enhanced security measures had created an enabling environment for development. He added that ongoing rural electrification, road construction, and water projects were nearing completion.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Mrs. Veronica Ikele, commended the administration’s strides in food security, infrastructure, and empowerment, noting that women and vulnerable groups had significantly benefited from targeted programmes.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Philip Okorie, described the government’s approach as multi-sectoral, encompassing education, healthcare, youth engagement, and security stabilisation. He noted that incidents of political violence, kidnapping, and communal clashes had reduced considerably under the current administration.
Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Donatus Njoku, also praised the administration’s record, particularly in road infrastructure and empowerment initiatives within Isinkwo Kingdom, stressing that continuity was both necessary and justified.
Adding his voice, Matthew Okorie, who represented former Deputy Governor Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, lauded the government’s clearance of longstanding gratuities and pensions dating back to 1996, describing it as a landmark achievement that restored confidence among retirees.
The Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Felix Igboke, highlighted the breadth of projects executed across key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and water resources. He noted that despite political differences during the 2023 elections, the governor had ensured equitable distribution of projects across all communities in Onicha.
Also speaking, former Youth Leader and APC stalwart from Oshiri Kingdom, Benjamin Mkpuma, said his community had benefited from several rural road projects and pledged continued electoral support for the governor.
Testimonies from stakeholders across Ishinkwo and Abaomege communities pointed to improvements in security, job creation—particularly in the education sector—and consistent pension payments. Elizabeth Onwe of Abaomege disclosed that over 2,000 Ebonyi indigenes had been employed as teachers under the present administration.
In his remarks, Elder Prof. Christian Umoke underscored the government’s investment in scholarship schemes and long-term human capital development, expressing optimism that Ebonyi would emerge as a hub for intellectual and professional excellence in the coming years.
Further endorsement came from the 12 councillors of Onicha LGA, led by their leader, as well as executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area, all of whom declared total support for the governor’s re-election bid.
The convergence of political, traditional, and community stakeholders, marked by unanimity and strong commendations, signals early consolidation of support for Governor Nwifuru’s second-term ambition, positioning Onicha as a critical bloc in Ebonyi State’s evolving 2027 political landscape.
