The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi on Saturday endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The APGA candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Chikaodili Ojimba, made the declaration during the party’s mega rally in Abakaliki.

Mr Ojimba said the endorsement followed the decision of the party’s governorship candidate, Lucy Odom, to step down from the race to support Mr Nwifuru.

The senatorial candidate said the endorsement signalled a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election and marked a landmark political development.

“I commend Odom and her running mate, Mr Terry Alu, for their sacrifice, trust and commitment to the collective interest of the people.

“We assure them that APGA would not take their sacrifices for granted and will duly recognise their contributions,” he said.

He urged party faithful to return to their respective constituencies and mobilise support for Mr Nwifuru, citing his achievements in infrastructure, peace, security and development.

“You should, however, shun political violence, as electoral victory could only be achieved through peaceful engagement and strategic mobilisation,” he said.

The APGA candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Tochukwu Ogalagu, described the endorsement as a practical demonstration that the progressives were working together.

Mr Ogalagu urged party supporters to disregard insinuations of political hostility between APGA and the ruling APC, saying the alliance was a strategic arrangement.

“Political party affiliation should not be allowed to undermine constructive collaboration, as the ultimate objective of politics should be the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

“We assure you that the party would subsequently announce the date for the formal flag-off of its campaign activities in the state, as the alliance is expected to strengthen the chances of winning the election,” he said.

The APGA state chairman, Chukwudi Nwankwo, said the endorsement was a deliberate decision by the party to sustain peace, unity and development in Ebonyi.

Mr Nwankwo said the party resolved to support Mr Nwifuru’s second-term ambition in recognition of his efforts to promote peace and political harmony.

The APGA governorship candidate, Ms Odom, said her decision to step down followed extensive consultations with party members, political stakeholders and other relevant interests.

Ms Odom said the decision was informed by the convergence of APGA’s developmental priorities and those of the Mr Nwifuru administration, as the party considered continued collaboration more beneficial to the state. 

(NAN)