The Ezza Ezekuna General Youth Assembly (EEGYA) has distanced itself from the reported endorsement of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, by another youth group ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State.
The Assembly, in a communiqué issued after its meeting held at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area at the weekend, maintained that any group claiming to speak for Ezza youths without its mandate does not represent the position of the clan.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the National President of EEGYA, Mr. Jeff Ogbu, and the Secretary, Comrade Nkwuda David Friday.
The group announced its unanimous adoption of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as its sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election, citing what it described as his leadership style, commitment to equity, justice and fairness, as well as the developmental projects executed across the state.
According to the communiqué, the Assembly also adopted all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the senatorial to the House of Assembly levels, including candidates expected to participate in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
The group commended Governor Nwifuru for what it described as remarkable achievements in road infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment and social welfare, noting that Ezza Clan had benefited significantly from the administration's programmes.
It also praised the Governor's peace initiatives, which it said restored lasting peace in communities previously affected by crises, including Effium and the Abaomege/Ishinkwo areas.
The Assembly further expressed appreciation to the Governor for appointing several sons and daughters of Ezza Clan, including many youths, into key positions in his administration.
"After a critical review of the political landscape in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections, EEGYA unanimously adopts His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as our sole candidate for Governor in the 2027 governorship election in the state.
"This decision is anchored on performance, continuity and the need to sustain the gains of the present administration," the communiqué stated.
The group also declared that Ezza Clan was not interested in producing either the governor or deputy governor in 2027, insisting that the existing power rotation arrangement in the state should be respected.
It warned Ezza sons and daughters against accepting governorship or deputy governorship nominations from any political party, urging those who may have accepted such nominations to withdraw.
EEGYA condemned what it described as the impersonation of the Assembly by individuals allegedly using its name to endorse political aspirants.
It specifically rejected the purported endorsement of PDP governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, describing those behind the endorsement as faceless individuals with no mandate to speak for Ezza youths.
The Assembly called on security agencies to investigate, arrest and prosecute anyone found to be impersonating the organisation.
It also urged eligible voters across Ezza communities to take advantage of the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration exercise to ensure greater participation in the 2027 general elections.
The Assembly reaffirmed its support for Governor Nwifuru and all APC candidates, pledging to pursue its political position through lawful and democratic means.
