Stakeholders of Izzi local government area of Ebonyi state Saturday unanimously endorsed Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for a second term in office, while warning opposition parties against challenging him in the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made at a large gathering in the council headquarters in Iboko. It was attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, youth and women groups, as well as elder statesmen from across the local government area.
Observers described the event as one of the most significant grassroots political mobilisations in recent times, bringing together key actors from the 18 autonomous communities in Izzi LGA.
Leading the endorsement, the executive chairman of Izzi LGA, Steve Emenike Nwankpa, said the action reflected the clear decision of the people after assessing the governor’s performance in office.
“Power resides with the people, and today’s gathering of the young and old, men and women across our communities, is a symbolic affirmation of our collective resolve. After reviewing governance outcomes, the people have chosen continuity,” he stated.
Nwankpa stated that the decision followed extensive consultations involving hundreds of village heads, town union executives and community representatives across the area.
He said the meeting was initially convened to discuss security and development issues but later transformed into a unanimous political declaration in support of the governor’s re-election bid.