Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has warned the newly inaugurated chairpersons of the state’s 13 local government areas that they will be removed if they fail to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective councils in the 2027 elections.
Nwifuru issued the warning on Tuesday in Abakaliki while inaugurating the new chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of the local government areas.
The governor said the council chairpersons had a responsibility to ensure the APC won their respective local government areas, warning that those who failed would be replaced.
“Any chairman who fails to win his council will be removed from office and replaced with a councillor. I want this information to be on the headlines of newspapers because, as politicians, we would not speak in secret,” he said.
Nwifuru maintained that the APC was confident of victory across the state but warned the council chairpersons against complacency.
“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 added.
The governor urged the chairpersons to strengthen the party at the grassroots and prevent opposition parties from gaining a foothold in their respective areas.
He also directed them to work towards delivering what he described as a 100 per cent vote for the APC in the 2027 elections.
Nwifuru, however, cautioned the council chairpersons against rivalry with their deputies, stressing the need for cooperation in the administration of their respective councils.
Addressing the vice-chairpersons, he described them as “spare tyres inside the car boot”, saying their primary responsibility was to support the chairpersons and assume their duties only when necessary.
“You should always be available to the chairmen and ask them about your council’s daily activities. Do not listen to gossip and ill advice from your friends against your chairmen because that will destroy your relationship with them,” the governor said.
Nwifuru used the political career of his deputy governor as an example of the opportunities that could emerge from effective service at the local government level.
He disclosed that his deputy had previously served as a council chairperson, adding that her performance at the time contributed to the confidence reposed in her for higher 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 new chairpersons, the chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Timothy Nwachi, thanked the governor and other party stakeholders for the opportunity to serve.
Nwachi assured the governor that the chairpersons would justify the confidence placed in them and work towards delivering a landslide victory for the APC in 2027.
“We pledge to justify the confidence reposed in us and especially ensure that APC records a landslide in 2027,” he said.
Among the newly inaugurated council chairpersons are Osborne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Chidi Nwode, brother of Governor Nwifuru’s wife.
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