2027: Ebonyi is peaceful, no sign of tension – Elders’ Council boss, Okah insists 

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The Chairman of the Elders’ Council in Ebonyi State, Ben Okah, has ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general election said the state is calm and no sign of tension as it used to be in the previous years.

He expressed confidence on the governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration, especially in developing and delivering on his campaign promises in the state.

“The state will witness a peaceful and credible electoral process in the 2027 general elections, and there is calm and political maturity among stakeholders.

The chairman of Elder’s council, Okah made this known while speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki.

He insisted that there was no sign of tension across the state, despite the approaching political season, noting that the atmosphere remained tranquil compared to previous election cycles.

“This is the time to test how peaceful and mature we are as a state. From what is on ground, there is no tension. People are going about their normal activities without fear,” he said.

Okah attributed the relative calm to what he described as deliberate efforts by the state government to foster inclusiveness and mutual respect among political actors, regardless of party affiliation.

According to him, the current administration has promoted harmony by ensuring that opposition figures are neither intimidated nor excluded from the political space.

He further noted that the governor’s stance against imposing candidates within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had strengthened internal democracy and set a precedent likely to influence other parties in the state.

“When the dominant party allows a free and fair process, it sends a signal to others. That alone reduces friction and builds confidence in the system,” Okah added.

The Elders’ Council chairman emphasized that political leaders in the state have demonstrated a growing level of maturity, which he said would play a critical role in sustaining peace before, during, and after the elections.

He contrasted the current situation with past election periods characterized by heightened political tension, verbal attacks, and intense rivalry, stressing that such developments were largely absent in the present climate.

“In previous times, by now you would have seen serious confrontations and unhealthy exchanges. But today, there is restraint and orderliness,” he said.

Okah urged political actors and supporters to sustain the prevailing peace by conducting their campaigns responsibly and respecting democratic principles. 

He also called on security agencies and electoral bodies to remain vigilant and ensure that the process remains credible.

He expressed optimism that the peaceful environment, if maintained, would enhance voter participation and further strengthen democratic governance in the state.

“We expect a process that is free, fair, and acceptable to all. Ebonyi has shown that elections can be conducted without violence, and we must build on that,” he said.