The Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council comprising two zones in Ebonyi State have disowned their son and Governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru, instead backing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, in the 2027 governorship election.
The zones include Ohaukwu,Ishielu,Ebonyi Abakaliki, lzzi, Ikwo, Ezza South and Ezza North local government areas.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abakaliki on Saturday and signed by the council’s spokesperson, Barrister Emmanuel Nwibo.
The council, which said it comprises community leaders, professionals, youth representatives, women leaders, stakeholders and citizens from the Umuekumenyi area, said the meeting was convened to review the socio-economic and political situation in Ebonyi State and chart a path forward.
According to the communiqué, members expressed concern over what they described as declining governance standards, economic hardship, youth unemployment and a perceived slowdown in developmental activities across the state.
The council argued that the future leadership of Ebonyi State should be determined by competence, capacity, vision, accountability and proven performance rather than considerations of zoning, political sentiment or geographical affiliation.
“The development and progress of Ebonyi State can no longer be subjected to trial-and-error leadership. The overriding criteria for leadership selection must be based on competence, integrity, vision and commitment to good governance,” the communiqué stated.
The council also called on the state government to address economic challenges confronting residents, including the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining business opportunities.
Members further urged greater transparency, accountability and public engagement in governance, noting
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