.
The Umuekumenyi Leadership Council Union on Thursday declared that Ebonyi State needs "a new beginning with fresh air of governance" as the group inaugurated its Local Government and Ward Delegate Council and unanimously reaffirmed its support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union also declared its support for all PDP candidates contesting elective positions in the 2027 polls, describing the party as the platform through which it hopes to achieve what it called a democratic rebirth for Ebonyi State.
Addressing members during the inauguration in Abakaliki, the spokesman of the union, said the delegates had been called to serve their communities by mobilising residents for democratic participation, good governance and grassroots political engagement.
"Today, you are called to service, service to your motherland, service to rescue Ebonyi State and service to consolidate good governance and democracy," he said.
He recalled that the council had earlier adopted Dr. Odii as its preferred governorship candidate and said Thursday's inauguration further demonstrated the group's resolve to mobilise support for his election and that of other PDP candidates across the state.
"Our resolve to participate in the 2027 elections and bring about change in Ebonyi State cannot be disrupted. It was the unanimous decision of this council that in 2027 we will ensure that Ebonyi is given a new beginning with fresh air of governance where the lives and development of our people will truly matter," Nwobo stated.
He said delegates were expected to establish functional structures in every ward and community, educate eligible voters and encourage peaceful participation in the electoral process.
According to him, the group remains open to every Ebonyi citizen who believes in democratic change, irrespective of political, religious or economic affiliation.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the union, Mr. Christopher Ngwuta (G&G), charged the delegates drawn from the eight local government areas of the Umuekumenyi bloc to return to their various communities and intensify grassroots mobilisation.
"No human being can be a barrier to the interest of the masses and the entire state. No devil and no individual can thwart the will of the people. Go back to your communities and deliver the message from ward to ward, zone to zone and local government to local government," Ngwuta said.
He urged the delegates to remain committed to the union's objectives, expressing confidence that the people's mandate would prevail through democratic means.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated delegates, Dr. Friday Mgbada of Izzi Local Government Area and Mr. Ilodibe Nwele of Ikwo Local Government Area pledged unwavering commitment to the assignment entrusted to them.
"We are prepared to work from the grassroots to ensure that the people's votes count in 2027. We are fully committed to mobilising support from the ward level to the state level for Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii (Anyichuks) and all PDP candidates," they said.
In his goodwill message, the PDP candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Dr. Sunday Andrew Opoke, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic step towards strengthening grassroots democracy and voter mobilisation.
"The task before you is enormous. Be committed to your mandate and remain close to the people. Democracy succeeds when citizens are actively involved in the electoral process and leadership remains accountable to the people," Opoke said.
Also speaking, the PDP Woman Leader in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, urged the delegates to remain steadfast and ensure that women and youths were fully integrated into the mobilisation drive.
"This is a movement that requires commitment, courage and unity. I encourage every delegate to work peacefully, mobilise every eligible voter and remain focused on the mission. Women have a critical role to play in determining the future of Ebonyi State," she said.
Former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr. Sylvester Nwankwo, Jennifer Ogochukwu Ugbala and other speakers commended the Umuekumenyi Leadership Council Union for building a formidable grassroots structure, urging the delegates to see themselves as ambassadors of good governance and democratic accountability.
They maintained that the 2027 general election should be peaceful, credible and issue-based, expressing confidence that the opposition would record victory through the ballot.
.
