The Ezza Ezekuna General Youth Assembly (EEGYA) has distanced itself from the reported endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, insisting that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remains the only governorship candidate endorsed by Ezza youths ahead of the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship election.
In a communiqué issued after its meeting at the weekend in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area, the group dismissed the endorsement of Odii by what it described as a rival youth body, maintaining that no organisation could legitimately speak for Ezza youths without its approval.
The communiqué, jointly signed by EEGYA National President, Jeff Ogbu, and Secretary, Comrade Nkwuda David Friday, announced the formal adoption of Governor Nwifuru as the sole governorship candidate of the clan, citing his commitment to equity, justice, fairness and development.
The Assembly also declared its support for all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the senatorial and House of Representatives races to the State House of Assembly and the forthcoming local government elections.
Explaining the endorsement, the group said Governor Nwifuru’s administration had delivered tangible benefits to Ezza communities through infrastructure development, youth empowerment and inclusive governance.
“EEGYA commends His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, for the remarkable development strides of his administration. Ezza Clan has been a major beneficiary of road infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment, and social welfare programmes under his leadership,” the communiqué stated.
The Assembly also praised the governor’s efforts in restoring peace to previously troubled communities, particularly Effium and Abaomege/Ishinkwo, describing the interventions as critical to stability in the state.
It further commended Nwifuru for appointing several sons and daughters of Ezza extraction, including many young people, into strategic positions in government.
“We sincerely thank the Governor for appointing numerous sons and daughters of Ezza Clan, including many youths, into key and enviable positions in his administration. This gesture of inclusion has given our people a strong voice in governance,” it added.
According to the group, its endorsement was driven by the need to sustain the current administration’s achievements through continuity.
The Assembly also declared that Ezza Clan would not present either a governorship or deputy governorship candidate in the 2027 election, citing the state’s zoning arrangement and principles of equity.
“In the spirit of equity, fairness, and the existing power rotation arrangement in the state, we warn all Ezza sons and daughters against accepting nomination as governorship or deputy governorship candidate of any political party.
“Any Ezza son or daughter who has accepted such nomination is hereby called upon to withdraw immediately, or be prepared to face the collective resolve of Ezza youths,” it warned.
The group equally condemned what it described as attempts by “unscrupulous individuals” to impersonate the Assembly for political purposes, specifically rejecting the recent endorsement of Odii by what it called “a faceless group.”
“Consequently, EEGYA declares such impersonators persona non grata and calls on all relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute them in accordance with the law,” the group said.
Beyond its political declaration, the Assembly urged Ezza youths and community leaders to actively participate in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration exercise by mobilising eligible residents across the clan.
Reaffirming its position, the youth body pledged unwavering support for Governor Nwifuru and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
“We reaffirm our adoption of Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and all APC candidates for the 2027 elections. We state unequivocally that we shall resist, through lawful and democratic means, any form of opposition, sabotage, or distraction against our adopted candidates in Ezza Clan,” the communiqué concluded.
