The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the democratic space and ensuring a peaceful political environment as activities leading to the 2027 general election gather momentum across the country.
The Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Interparty Affairs, Comrade Sunday Nwambam, gave the assurance while addressing journalists on developments surrounding the submission of candidates by political parties in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, yesterday in Abakaliki.
Nwambam said the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru would continue to provide an enabling environment for all registered political parties to freely conduct their lawful political activities without intimidation or discrimination.
According to him, "The Ebonyi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Francis Nwifuru, will continue to provide an enabling environment for political parties to carry out their activities peacefully.
"So far, no political violence has been recorded in the state and no political party has been denied access to public spaces for lawful political engagements."
He noted that the revised INEC timetable provided for the online submission of Forms EC9 and EC9A, EC9B, EC9C, EC9D and EC9E containing the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates between June 27 and July 11, with the exercise later extended to July 14.
Nwambam explained that the submission process was in line with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to upload the names of their nominated candidates to the INEC portal not later than 120 days before the election.
He further disclosed that political parties would commence the upload of the names of governorship and House of Assembly candidates from July 18 to August 8, while the law also provides opportunities for the withdrawal and replacement of candidates within the stipulated timelines.
"Political parties still have until August 22 for the withdrawal and replacement of presidential and National Assembly candidates and until September 19 for governorship and House of Assembly candidates, in accordance with Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2026," he said.
The governor's aide commended INEC for effectively guiding political parties through the candidate nomination process, describing the exercise as a significant milestone in the country's democratic journey.
He also commended political parties in Ebonyi State for successfully navigating internal pressures and competing interests to produce their candidates through various primary election processes.
"I commend INEC for guiding political parties to this stage. Political parties in Ebonyi also deserve commendation for overcoming pressure, intrigues and competing interests to ensure the successful emergence and submission of their presidential and National Assembly candidates," Nwambam stated.
He described the development as evidence of the growing political maturity of parties in managing internal democratic processes that would shape their future participation in national politics.
Nwambam appealed to aspirants who participated in party primaries but were not nominated to accept the outcome in good faith and support their respective parties.
"Those who could not make the final list should embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and continue to contribute positively to the democratic process. Democracy thrives when political actors respect established rules and place collective interest above personal ambition," he said.
He further observed that INEC's decision to provide political parties with access codes for uploading candidates' details had helped reduce controversies associated with the nomination process, provided all constitutional and legal requirements were met.
Looking ahead to the commencement of electioneering campaigns on August 19, Nwambam assured residents that the state government would continue collaborating with security agencies to sustain peace throughout the campaign period.
"Even as political campaigns commence on August 19, 2026, the Ebonyi State Government will continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure violence-free campaigns. Ebonyi State is peaceful, and we are committed to maintaining that peace before, during and after the elections," he added.
