The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Evangelist Godwin Aliuna, has withdrawn from the 2027 House of Representatives race and declared support for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's re-election bid.
Aliuna, said he took the decision after extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates and stakeholders, stressing that the collective interest of Ebonyi State must supersede individual political ambition.
The journalist turned politician, in a statement issued at the weekend said his decision was guided by the need to preserve peace, political stability and development in the state.
He said although the withdrawal was not an easy decision, given his commitment to the people of Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, he considered it necessary in the broader interest of the state.
According to him, his aspiration to represent the constituency at the National Assembly was driven by a desire to provide purposeful and people-oriented representation through effective legislation, empowerment programmes and strategic development interventions.
Aliuna said his decision to step down from the contest should not be construed as an abandonment of his political or developmental agenda for the constituency.
He listed road infrastructure, rural connectivity, potable water, agricultural development, education and human-capital development among the areas requiring sustained attention.
He also expressed concern over poverty, unemployment and economic hardship confronting families, saying governments must adopt innovative and sustainable interventions capable of creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and improving household incomes.
The former DLA candidate said the empowerment of young people should remain a priority, advocating skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support and access to opportunities that would enable youths to become economically productive.
While maintaining that the DLA and its support base were capable of mounting a strong challenge in the 2027 election, Aliuna said he had chosen to withdraw “for the sake of peace” and in recognition of what he described as Nwifuru's efforts towards maintaining peace and advancing development in Ebonyi.
He consequently pledged to mobilise his supporters, loyalists and political structures in Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency to support Nwifuru's re-election bid.
Aliuna urged political actors in the state to resist actions capable of turning electoral contests into sources of division, bitterness and instability.
“Political contests should not become a source of division or instability. The collective interest of Ebonyians must remain greater than individual political ambitions,” he said.
He, however, urged Nwifuru to consolidate his administration's achievements by prioritising employment generation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agricultural transformation and youth empowerment.
Aliuna also charged the governor to place greater emphasis on competence, accountability and performance in the management of government affairs.
He warned that non-performing aides, associates or relatives could undermine the administration's achievements if allowed to operate without effective supervision and accountability.
Despite his withdrawal from the 2027 contest, Aliuna made it clear that his political journey was not over, disclosing plans to regroup, strengthen his political structures and deepen grassroots engagement ahead of the 2031 general election.
He appealed to his supporters who might be disappointed by his decision to remain calm and hopeful, assuring them that the sacrifice was in the interest of a larger political and developmental objective.
“My political journey is not over. Our journey continues, and with God Almighty, the future will provide us with an even greater opportunity to serve,” Aliuna said.
He expressed appreciation to his constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders who had supported his 2027 aspiration, saying their confidence and sacrifices remained deeply valued.
Aliuna called on Ebonyians to sustain peace, unity and political tolerance, insisting that the state's development should remain the overriding consideration for political leaders and stakeholders.
