Communities under the Ohanivo General Assembly have declared their support for Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for a second term in office, urging other candidates seeking the governorship seat in 2027 to reconsider their ambitions.
The declaration was made at the 2026 Iri Ji Ohanivo Festival, which brought together sons and daughters of Ohanivo, traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders and other dignitaries from Onicha, Ohaozara and Ivo local government areas of Ebonyi State.
In a message of appreciation signed by the President-General of Ohanivo General Assembly, Hon. Darlington Onuabuchi Okereke, the leadership said the decision to support Nwifuru was informed by what it described as the governor’s commitment to the development of the area and his support for the community.
The statement specifically commended Nwifuru for attending the festival and for his financial contributions towards the construction of the Ohanivo National Headquarters Complex, as well as support extended to youths and women during the celebration.
The Ohanivo leadership said, “our resolve to accord you profound support and solidarity in your journey to the second term in office is sacrosanct,” adding that the people would support the governor based on what they described as his commitment to the development, peace and prosperity of Ebonyi State.
The declaration comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state. Recent reports from the festival indicate that stakeholders from Ohanivo endorsed Nwifuru for another term, while Governor Nwifuru acknowledged the support as a significant endorsement of his second-term aspiration.
Addressing the gathering, Nwifuru said the occasion marked the first time he had personally received what he described as a blessing from Ohanivo for his second term.
“Today is my first time receiving a blessing personally for my second term in office,” the governor said, according to reports of the event.
The Ohanivo General Assembly also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Nweze Umahi, for what it described as his “wonderful and continuous contributions” to the development of Ohanivo and the country.
Umahi, who also spoke at the festival, urged the people to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Nwifuru and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections. He also called for peaceful political campaigns and cautioned supporters against disrupting opposition activities.
The Ohanivo leadership further thanked traditional rulers, town union executives, political leaders, friends and well-wishers who attended the Iri Ji celebration, saying their presence contributed to the success and colourful nature of the event.
The group said its political position was rooted in its assessment of Nwifuru’s administration and his relationship with the people, particularly his support for community development initiatives.
It therefore urged members of the community to remain united and committed to what it described as the collective interest of Ohanivo and Ebonyi State.
The 2026 Iri Ji festival also featured appeals for continued peace, unity, cultural preservation and development across the Ohanivo communities, with stakeholders emphasising the importance of maintaining the traditional values associated with the annual New Yam celebration.
