LG polls: Ex-gov. Elechi condemns attack on party supporters, as APC kicks-off campaign 

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The former governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi on Monday condemned the alleged attack on party supporters and newsmen in Ezza North LGA by thugs, describing the action as undemocratic and uncalled for, especially as the general election approaches.

The Nations News reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially flagged off its campaign for the August 22 local government elections, with party leaders calling for peaceful electioneering.

Former governor Martin Elechi made this known during the maga campaign rally of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC held in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State.

Elechi who was the chairman of the APC campaign rally in Ikwo LGA, among other stakeholders urged supporters to ensure massive grassroots mobilisation and increased collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to secure victory across the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.

He stressed that political campaigns should not be mistaken for hostility, urging all political actors to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to political parties of their choice.

“We are not here to fight anybody. Every citizen has the constitutional right to belong to any political party. Nobody should intimidate or attack another because of political differences. 

“Let us conduct ourselves lawfully and peacefully throughout this campaign period,” Elechi said.

He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious because of the people’s support for Governor Nwifuru’s administration but cautioned party supporters against violence and any act capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

The governor, Francis Nwifuru, represented by the Deputy Governor, Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, formally presented the party’s flag to the APC chairmanship candidate for Ikwo Local Government Area, Henry Chidi Nwode, and his running mate.

Speaking at the event, Obila described the APC candidates as “tested, trusted and marketable,” urging party supporters to embark on issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election.

“As we present these candidates today, it is your responsibility to go into every community and market them. They are the best products in the field. 

“Do not be distracted by negative propaganda because APC has presented competent candidates who will deliver quality leadership at the grassroots,” she said.

The deputy governor commended the outgoing Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, for promoting peace, unity and development in the council, noting that his administration had laid a solid foundation for the incoming leadership.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Odunwa, called on party faithful to support APC candidates at all levels, insisting that the party remained united and well-positioned for victory.

He urged residents to maintain peace before, during and after the election and encouraged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process.

The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, described the event as the beginning of political mobilisation across the state and urged eligible voters to obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the August 22 council election.

“This is the official flag-off of campaigns across the 13 local government areas and 171 wards of Ebonyi State. I urge our people to get their PVCs ready because every vote will count. We are also looking forward to the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections,” Ogah said.

The APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, thanked the people of Ikwo for their steadfast support for the party, maintaining that the APC continued to enjoy widespread acceptance across the local government.

“There is no opposition here. We have come to appreciate the people of Ikwo for standing firmly with the APC. We know that whenever Ikwo endorses a candidate, victory is already assured,” Emegha said.

Speaking on behalf of members of the State Executive Council, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ben Odoh, reaffirmed the commitment of commissioners to Governor Nwifuru’s administration, declaring that Ikwo remained a stronghold of the APC.

“Ikwo is APC and APC is Ikwo. We are united behind Governor Nwifuru and our candidates. We are confident of delivering overwhelming votes for the party,” Odoh stated.

Director-General of the APC Local Government Campaign Council for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu, declared that there was “no vacancy until 2031,” expressing confidence that Governor Nwifuru would continue to enjoy overwhelming support from the people of Ebonyi State.

The Executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, described the choice of Ikwo as the venue for the statewide campaign flag-off as a demonstration of confidence in the people of the area.

According to him, Governor Nwifuru’s developmental strides had strengthened the APC’s popularity, assuring that the people of Ikwo would deliver overwhelming votes for the party in both the council election and subsequent polls.

“What we are witnessing today is beyond the local government election. It is also a demonstration of our readiness for 2027. We assure our governor of our unwavering loyalty, solidarity and total support,” Nwankwo stated.

Receiving the party’s flag, the APC Chairmanship candidate for Ikwo Local Government Area, Henry Chidi Nwode, thanked Governor Nwifuru, the party leadership and the people of Ikwo for the confidence reposed in him.

Nwode described his emergence as the APC candidate as a call to greater service and promised to run an inclusive, transparent and people-centred administration if elected.