The Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Ebonyi State chapter, Joe Erishi, has expressed confidence in Governor Francis Nwifuru’s re-election bid, describing his second-term ambition as sacrosanct and his industrialization agenda as critical to the state’s economic transformation.
Erishi, who made the position known in a statement on Thursday, likened the governor’s political journey to that of a moving train, insisting that opposition and political criticism would not derail his ambition to secure a second term in office in 2027.
He said Nwifuru remained focused on his administration’s development priorities, particularly efforts to position Ebonyi as an industrial hub in the South-East, adding that the governor’s vision deserved sustained support.
“No matter the noise of other animals, it will not stop the lion from reaching its destination,” Erishi said, using the metaphor to underscore his confidence in the governor’s political prospects.
According to him, Nwifuru is “a moving train that is comfortable in his lane and heading to his station,” which he identified as a second term in office.
The NASME chairman also suggested that the activities of other governorship candidates could inadvertently strengthen public awareness of the incumbent governor and their own political profiles ahead of the 2027 election.
“Other governorship candidates are helping to market Governor Nwifuru and equally advertising themselves to Ebonyians,” he said.
Erishi, however, described the rival candidates as brothers and sisters, acknowledging their participation in the political process and commending what he characterised as their contributions to public engagement.
He maintained that the governor’s focus on economic development, particularly the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), placed Ebonyi in a strategic position to pursue a broader industrialisation agenda.
Describing Nwifuru as an MSME-friendly governor, Erishi said the administration’s vision of transforming Ebonyi into an industrial hub east of the Niger reflected an appreciation of the state’s economic potential.
He alluded to a historical decision taken by the former Eastern Region government in 1954, arguing that the considerations behind that decision demonstrated the long-standing economic significance of the area.
“His eyes are on the ball,” Erishi said, maintaining that the governor was focused on achieving his industrialization objectives.
He further argued that efforts to transform Ebonyi’s economy should not be undermined by unnecessary political or administrative obstacles, stressing the need for a conducive environment for investment, enterprise development and industrial expansion.
“There should be no roadblock,” he said, in reference to the governor’s industrialization mission.
Erishi’s remarks came as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with prospective candidates and their supporters positioning themselves for the contest.
While expressing confidence in Nwifuru’s second-term prospects, the NASME chairman’s endorsement also placed emphasis on the economic expectations surrounding the administration’s industrialisation agenda.
