2027: Ezza Elders Adopt Tinubu, Nwifuru as Sole Choices, Warn Politicians against Violence

…Vow to mobilize massively for all APC candidates

By, Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki

The Ezza Ezekuna Elders’ Council, the highest decision-making body of Ezza Nation in Ebonyi State, has formally adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Francis Nwifuru and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred choices for the 2027 general elections.

The council, however, issued a strong warning against politically motivated violence, bloodshed, intimidation, blackmail, character assassination and destruction of property, declaring that no political ambition should be pursued at the expense of peace, unity and the security of Ezza land.

The resolutions were contained in a communique issued at the weekend after a meeting of the council held at the residence of its chairman, Chief Ugo Chima, in Echara community, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The communique, read by the Secretary-General of the council, Dr. Livinus Eze, said the endorsement followed extensive deliberations on the political future of Ezza Nation, the prevailing security situation and the need to preserve the unity and collective interests of the clan ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the council, Ezza people have resolved to support the Tinubu administration, Governor Nwifuru and APC candidates across elective positions in the state, citing what it described as infrastructure development and other benefits extended to the area by the present administration.

The elders called on political aspirants and supporters across party lines to conduct their campaigns peacefully, stressing that every political party must be allowed to operate freely without intimidation, attacks or attempts to undermine the rights of others.

They further maintained that individuals or groups opposed to the council’s political position remained free to express their disagreements through lawful and democratic means, warning against actions capable of triggering violence or threatening the lives and property of residents.

The council also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful elections, insisting that the political process must reflect the dignity, collective aspirations and traditional values of Ezza Nation.

“And we are going to vote very massively President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governor Francis Nwifuru and
All candidates of APC, this is because the Tinubu administration has given Ezza nation with lots of infrastructure facilities; roads among others to our people” he said.

Speaking after the meeting, a former Chairman of Ezza North Local Government Area, Ogodo Ali Nomeh, expressed concern over the recurring political crises in parts of the area, disclosing that previous political disagreements had reportedly resulted in two casualties.

Nomeh said the elders were determined to prevent further loss of lives and had resolved to introduce punitive measures, including fines, against anyone found instigating violence or causing disturbances in Ezza communities.

He stressed that political competition should not become a justification for attacks, destruction of property or the disruption of peaceful coexistence among the people.

Also speaking, a former House of Representatives candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Aliuna Godwin, said the meeting was an important step towards strengthening unity and promoting a common political position among Ezza people.

Aliuna, who said he had consistently advocated peace and political understanding through public statements and articles, described the elders’ resolution as a demonstration of the importance of collective engagement in addressing the political and security challenges confronting the clan.

He said Ezza Nation had resolved to speak with one voice in supporting the present administration and ensuring that Governor Nwifuru receives the backing of the people in 2027.

According to him, the support is also connected to the broader political understanding surrounding the 2031 governorship succession, when he said Ezza people would expect the opportunity to produce the next governor of Ebonyi State after Nwifuru’s tenure.

The meeting attracted prominent sons and stakeholders of Ezza Nation, including Prof. Ben Odoh of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Julius Ucha, former Secretaries to the State Government, serving and former political office holders, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioners, former judges, House of Assembly candidates from different political parties and other influential traditional and political figures.

The elders said their resolutions were intended to strengthen political cooperation, prevent further security breaches and protect the unity of Ezza Nation as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.