A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State and two-time House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Kenneth Akobundu Nweke, has urged a governorship aspirant in the state, Chief Chukwuma Odii, to shelve any ambition for the 2027 governorship election in the interest of equity, justice and political stability.
Akobundu, in a personal letter addressed to Odii, appealed to the businessman and politician to respect the state’s long-standing zoning arrangement and instead channel his political energy toward the Senate.
He argued that politics should not be driven solely by personal ambition but by timing, strategy, legacy and commitment to established principles capable of sustaining peace and unity in the state.
According to him, Ebonyi State was founded on a power-sharing arrangement among the three senatorial zones of Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South, stressing that the zoning formula had remained a stabilising factor in the state’s political evolution since 1999.
“As a concerned citizen of Ebonyi State, I write with deep respect and sincerity. Politics is not merely about power; it is about timing, strategy, legacy and respect for established principles. A true statesman knows when to wait, when to build and when to rise,” he stated.
Akobundu described Odii as a respected businessman and influential political figure, urging him to remain committed to the principles of justice, patience and fairness in relation to the governorship rotation in the state.
“I sincerely encourage you to channel your strength toward the Senate at this critical time and allow the long-established principle of gubernatorial equity in Ebonyi State to remain intact,” he added.
The APC stalwart maintained that the Charter of Equity in Ebonyi State was not merely a political arrangement but a covenant designed to promote peace, justice and stability among the various blocs in the state.
He recalled that since the return of democracy in 1999, the governorship had rotated among the three senatorial zones beginning with Ebonyi North under former Governor Sam Egwu from 1999 to 2007, Ebonyi Central under Chief Martin Elechi from 2007 to 2015, and Ebonyi South under Senator David Umahi from 2015 to 2023.
He noted that the current administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, from Ebonyi North, further reflected the continuity of the zoning arrangement.
“This full circle proves that zoning works. Disturbing this balance now may create unnecessary political tension and weaken the trust our people have in the system,” Akobundu warned.
Citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nelson Mandela and Greek philosopher Aristotle, Akobundu emphasised the need for sacrifice, dialogue and fairness in leadership and political engagements.
He further urged political actors in the state to embrace mature politics capable of strengthening democratic stability rather than pursuing interests that could threaten the existing balance.
“The Senate offers you a strong platform to serve, strengthen your political relevance and preserve your legacy while waiting for the rightful turn of Ebonyi South in the governorship rotation,” he stated.
Akobundu also referenced biblical passages, including Proverbs 22:28 and Ecclesiastes 3:1, to underscore the need for patience, wisdom and strategic political positioning.
He called on stakeholders across the state to protect the Charter of Equity and preserve the peace and unity of Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 political season.
