Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has issued a stark and uncompromising warning to the newly inaugurated local government chairmen of the state's 13 councils: deliver a 100 per cent victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections or lose your job.
The governor made this declaration on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Abakaliki, the state capital, during the swearing-in ceremony of the chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of the 13 Local Government Areas. The event was witnessed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the wife of the governor, Maudline Nwifuru; Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Obila; former Governor Martin Elechi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly Moses Odunwa; and other top government officials and party stakeholders.
"Any chairman who fails to win his council will be removed from office and replaced with a councillor," Nwifuru declared, according to multiple news reports. He insisted that he wanted his warning to be publicly known, stating, "I want this information to be on the headlines of newspapers because, as politicians, we would not speak in secret".
The governor argued that the council chairmen are fully aware of the APC's strength in the state and that any failure to secure victory would be a result of negligence. "The chairmen know we would win in the state, and if they choose to sleep and allow others to take their areas, they would be removed," he said.
Nwifuru also charged the chairmen to "deal decisively" with anyone who speaks negatively about the APC in their domains. He urged them to prevent opposition parties from gaining a foothold and to work towards delivering a 100 per cent vote for the APC in the 2027 elections.
Turning his attention to the vice-chairmen, the governor described their positions as "spare tyres inside the car boot," advising them to be prepared to step in only when the substantive chairmen are unable to function. He cautioned them against listening to gossip or ill advice that could create rivalry with their principals.
Nwifuru cited his deputy governor as an example of how effective performance at the local government level could lead to higher political office. "She performed in ways people saw her and believed she could do the work of a deputy governor. My deputy is doing the work perfectly and presently enjoying the position," he said.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairmen, Timothy Nwachi, Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, thanked the governor and party stakeholders for the opportunity to serve. "We pledge to justify the confidence reposed in us and especially ensure that APC records a landslide in 2027," Nwachi said.
Among the newly inaugurated council chairmen are Osbourne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who was elected chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area, and Chidi Nwode, brother of Governor Nwifuru's wife, who was sworn in as chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area.
In a related development, Nwifuru also announced plans to appoint 1,710 Executive Assistants, to be drawn from the 171 wards across the state, with a directive that most of the nominees should be women.
The governor's warning has sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that it undermines the independence of local government administration and places undue pressure on council chairmen to achieve political objectives. However, supporters see it as a firm commitment to party loyalty and electoral success. As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on Ebonyi State to see how this directive shapes the political landscape and whether the council chairmen can meet the governor's high-stakes demands.
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