2027: Ebonyi’s Future Is Safe With Nwifuru, Stop the Blackmail- Ex-Reps candidate Aliuna Warns Critics

…Challenges detractors to provide evidence of alleged ₦17.58bn spending on gifts,

..insists governor deserves another term

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the debate over governance, accountability and the future leadership of Ebonyi State has continued to generate reactions, with former House of Representatives candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Aliuna Godwin, declaring that the state’s future remains safe in the hands of Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Aliuna, who spoke against what he described as a sustained campaign of blackmail and political hostility against the governor, warned critics and political detractors to desist from making unsubstantiated allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the current administration.

His reaction followed an open letter reportedly circulated by one of the governor’s critics, titled, “Our State Is Not for Sale: Let Us Join Hands to Rescue Our Future,” which questioned the direction of governance and financial management under the Nwifuru administration.

However, Aliuna dismissed the arguments contained in the letter, insisting that those criticizing the governor must demonstrate a better understanding of governance, public administration and the enormous responsibilities involved in managing a state.

According to him, political criticism is legitimate in a democracy, but it should be anchored on verifiable facts, constructive engagement and genuine concern for the welfare of the people rather than what he described as calculated attempts to discredit an administration.

He argued that Nwifuru had, within his first three years in office, demonstrated commitment to governance through investments in human capital development, infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors of the state’s economy.

For Aliuna, the debate over Nwifuru’s leadership should not be reduced to political sentiments or personalities but should be determined by the administration’s record, policy direction and measurable impact on the lives of ordinary Ebonyians.

He maintained that the governor had introduced a governance approach that prioritises fairness, inclusiveness and prudent management of public resources, adding that the administration had given many citizens renewed confidence in the possibility of a better future for the state.

The former federal constituency hopeful particularly challenged the governor’s critics to provide empirical evidence to substantiate allegations that the administration spent N17.58 billion on gifts and donations to official guests.

He insisted that allegations involving public funds were too serious to be treated as instruments of political propaganda, stressing that anyone making such claims should be prepared to provide documentary evidence capable of standing public and legal scrutiny.

Aliuna further warned that failure to substantiate the allegation could attract legal consequences, suggesting that the governor’s supporters might consider legal action against those responsible for circulating claims they consider defamatory.

Beyond the controversy surrounding the alleged expenditure, Aliuna said the Nwifuru administration had demonstrated a willingness to commit substantial financial resources to education and healthcare because of their importance to the long-term development of the state.

He argued that investments in these sectors should be viewed as strategic efforts to secure the future of Ebonyi children and generations yet unborn, rather than being subjected to unnecessary political interpretations.

In his assessment, education remains one of the most important instruments for breaking the cycle of poverty, while an accessible and functional healthcare system is essential to improving life expectancy, productivity and the overall wellbeing of the population.

Aliuna also pointed to the administration’s reported efforts towards improving the welfare of workers and pensioners, describing the clearance of outstanding pension, gratuity and other entitlements inherited from previous administrations as an important development in the state’s public service history.

He recalled that Ebonyi, created in 1996 by the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha, had accumulated pension and gratuity obligations over the years, making the resolution of such liabilities a significant governance responsibility.

According to him, addressing the plight of retired civil servants represents an important demonstration of government responsiveness, particularly considering the economic difficulties confronting many pensioners and their families.

The former House of Representatives candidate further maintained that the Nwifuru administration’s welfare policies were directed towards reducing poverty, alleviating hardship and creating an environment where citizens could enjoy improved living conditions.

Nevertheless, the political significance of Aliuna’s intervention extends beyond his defence of the governor. It reflects the growing contest over the public narrative surrounding Nwifuru’s administration as the state gradually moves towards another electoral cycle.

With 2027 approaching, the governor’s performance, management of public resources, relationship with political stakeholders and ability to sustain public confidence are expected to feature prominently in political discussions across the state.

For the Nwifuru camp, the challenge will be to ensure that the administration’s achievements are communicated through verifiable records, visible projects and tangible improvements in the lives of the people, rather than relying solely on political endorsements and the criticism of opponents.

Ultimately, Aliuna believes that the governor’s performance and development agenda provide sufficient grounds for another electoral mandate, insisting that no amount of political attacks or negative publicity would change the determination of supporters to rally behind him in 2027.

Whether the arguments advanced by the former federal constituency candidate will resonate with the wider electorate remains a question for the coming political season. 

But one thing is clear: the battle over Nwifuru’s record, the credibility of his critics and the future direction of Ebonyi State is already becoming an important feature of the state’s emerging 2027 political landscape.