The Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Inter-Party Affairs, Comrade Sunday Nwambam, has cautioned voters against politicians he described as “cash-out” candidates, urging opposition parties participating in the 2027 general election to demonstrate their seriousness through functional grassroots structures and sustained engagement with the electorate.
He stated this in a press briefing on Monday in Abakaliki following the release of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the list contains 12 governorship candidates and 238 candidates for the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, reflecting the participation of multiple political parties in the forthcoming elections.
While commending INEC for adhering to its electoral timetable, Nwambam said the number of governorship candidates demonstrated that Ebonyi remained open to opposition participation despite Governor Nwifuru's re-election bid.
He also described the number of candidates contesting legislative seats as evidence of political pluralism and the opportunity for voters to choose their representatives from different political platforms.
However, the governor's aide questioned the experience and electoral viability of some opposition candidates, alleging that certain politicians participate in successive election cycles primarily for personal financial gain rather than to provide credible alternatives to the electorate.
“An analysis of the personalities whose names appeared on the governorship candidates' list shows that, apart from Governor Francis Nwifuru of the APC and his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, some of the other candidates are either inexperienced, political contractors or jokers creating content for their followers,” he said.
Nwambam further alleged that some political parties lacked the organisational capacity and grassroots networks required to sustain meaningful engagement with voters beyond election periods.
“No political party should be operating in the air. Parties seeking the mandate of the people must demonstrate their seriousness through identifiable structures within the state, local government areas and wards,” he said.
He urged Ebonyi residents to scrutinise candidates' character, experience, track records, policy proposals and capacity to deliver on electoral promises before making their choices.
The governor's aide maintained that inclusion on INEC's final list should not, in itself, be regarded as proof of a candidate's political viability or capacity to govern, adding that voters should assess the substance of candidates' programmes and their commitment to public service.
He also called for peaceful campaigns and an orderly electoral process, urging political actors to respect the rights of other parties to participate in the democratic process.
While expressing confidence in Nwifuru's re-election prospects, Nwambam argued that the governor offered a stronger electoral alternative to the opposition candidates.
He added that Ebonyi voters had attained sufficient political maturity to distinguish between candidates with demonstrable leadership capacity and those whose participation, he alleged, was driven by personal interests.
