A support group for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for the Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election, Chief Felix Igboke Ogbonna, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to what it described as "politics of fear" instead of engaging in issue-based campaigns ahead of the polls.
The group, known as the IGBOKEIST Movement, said political discourse in the constituency should centre on development, leadership capacity and the delivery of democratic dividends rather than criticisms over party affiliations.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abakaliki and signed by its Coordinator, Mr. Echofe Williams Echefulachi, the group defended Igboke's return to the PDP, describing the decision as strategic and necessary.
According to the statement, the criticisms directed at the PDP aspirant over his movement between political parties were intended to divert attention from issues that matter most to the electorate.
"Our principal realised that nothing meaningful can be achieved under the APC. So he returned to his home, the PDP," the group stated.
The IGBOKEIST Movement argued that political realignments have become a common feature of Nigeria's democratic process and should not be used to question the credibility of any aspirant.
"You should just mention that person who has not moved from one party to another. The whole thing is just like the fear of Igboke," the statement said.
The group also cited the political trajectory of the current member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, noting that he had also moved across political parties.
"Kama was initially in APC before he left for the Labour Party where he emerged as the federal lawmaker representing the constituency in 2023. Presently, he has also returned to APC and clinched the ticket there," the statement added.
According to the group, the people of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency are more interested in the capacity of candidates to provide effective representation than in the political parties on whose platforms they contest elections.
"People no longer look at parties. They should look at individual capacity, achievements, and someone who understands grassroots politics and can drive the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. When you think of that, you think Igboke," the statement said.
The group maintained that Igboke's return to the PDP would better position him to attract federal projects, create employment opportunities, empower youths and women, and facilitate improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare and education across the constituency.
It called on political actors to avoid what it described as "name-calling" and instead engage in campaigns centred on issues affecting the people.
"Political realignment is part of Nigeria's democratic reality. We urge voters to assess candidates based on track record, accessibility and ability to attract projects, not on sponsored media attacks," the statement added.
The IGBOKEIST Movement reaffirmed its support for Chief Igboke and appealed to voters in Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency to support his aspiration, which it described as focused on purposeful and grassroots-driven representation.
Political activities ahead of the 2027 general election have continued to gather momentum in Ebonyi State, with the contest for the Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency seat already attracting increased attention from major political actors and support groups.
