The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has launched its campaign for the August 22 local government and councillorship elections, calling on supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns, intensify grassroots mobilisation, and encourage residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The campaign was flagged off in Ikwo Local Government Area, where Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by Deputy Governor Patricia Obila, presented the party’s flag to the APC chairmanship candidate for Ikwo LGA, Henry Chidi Nwode, and his running mate.
Speaking at the event, Obila described the APC candidates as competent of delivering quality leadership at the grassroots.
She urged party supporters to engage in issue-based campaigns and shun violence or actions that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the elections.
“As we present these candidates today, it is your responsibility to take them to every community. They are the best products in the field. Do not be distracted by negative propaganda because APC has presented credible candidates,” she said.
The deputy governor also commended the outgoing Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo, for fostering peace, unity, and development during his tenure.
Former Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Martin Elechi, appealed to political stakeholders to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to associate freely with 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,” Elechi said, while expressing confidence that the APC would emerge victorious.
Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Odunwa, called on party members to remain united and work towards securing victory for the APC, while encouraging eligible voters to participate actively in the elections.
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, urged residents to obtain and safeguard their PVCs, stressing that every vote would count in the August 22 council polls.
APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, thanked the people of Ikwo for their continued support, describing the local government as a stronghold of the ruling party.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odoh, reaffirmed the commitment of members of the State Executive Council to Governor Nwifuru’s administration, insisting that Ikwo remained firmly behind the APC.
The Director-General of the APC Local Government Campaign Council for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu, expressed confidence in the party’s chances, declaring that there was “no vacancy until 2031.”
The outgoing Ikwo Local Government Chairman, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo, said the choice of Ikwo for the campaign flag-off reflected the party’s confidence in the area, attributing the APC’s popularity to Governor Nwifuru’s developmental strides.
Receiving the party’s flag, the APC chairmanship candidate, Henry Chidi Nwode, thanked Governor Nwifuru, the party leadership, and the people of Ikwo for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to run an inclusive, transparent, and accountable administration if elected, with priorities including rural infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment. He improved security through collaboration with community leaders.
Nwode also promised to sustain issue-based campaigns and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the August 22 local government elections.
