A mammoth crowd on Wednesday thronged Iboko, headquarters of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru led the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government election campaign in the area.
The gathering also featured the commissioning of several legacy projects executed by the outgoing council chairman, Hon. Barr. Steve Emenike Nwankpa, and the presentation of the APC flag to the party’s chairmanship candidate, Hon. Mrs. Helen Aduga, ahead of the local government elections.
Governor Nwifuru, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, GCEHF, expressed appreciation to the people of Izzi for their massive turnout and continued support for his administration.
Before the campaign rally, the Deputy Governor commissioned a number of projects delivered by the outgoing council administration, including an ultra-modern official residence for the council chairman, lock-up commercial shops at Iziogo Market and rigid pavement concrete roads, among other grassroots interventions.
The Governor commended the outgoing chairman for executing projects that align with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs, noting that such interventions would contribute to improving the quality of life of residents.
The Deputy Governor subsequently presented the APC flag to Helen Aduga and her running mate, formally signalling the party’s campaign for the Izzi Local Government chairmanship election.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of the Coordinator of Ebyia Development Centre, Hon. Stephen Iboko, who was commended by Governor Nwifuru for installing a transformer that restored electricity supply to his community. He was subsequently recognised as the “Development Centre Coordinator of the Year.”
The State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, expressed confidence in the voting strength of Izzi LGA and urged party supporters to remain focused on issue-based campaigns. He cautioned opposition parties against bitter politics, propaganda and character assassination.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the State APC Local Government Campaign Council, Amb. Frank Ogbuewu, highlighted the party’s commitment to gender inclusion, citing the emergence of a female chairmanship candidate in Izzi as evidence of the party’s commitment to providing opportunities for women in leadership.
He expressed optimism that the APC would secure victory across the local government.
The Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Alexander Nwofe, alongside Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Chief Emmanuel Uguru, Hon. Godwin Abiri, Hon. Mbam Goodluck Obinna and Chief Charles Ofoke, commended Governor Nwifuru for his developmental initiatives across the state and pledged their support for all APC candidates.
The Commissioner for Capital City Development, Prince Richard Idike; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma; and Hon. Felix Okemini also assured the party leadership of their commitment to delivering victory for the APC across the wards.
In her acceptance speech, the APC chairmanship candidate, Helen Aduga, thanked Governor Nwifuru, party leaders and the people of Izzi for their overwhelming support.
Aduga pledged that, if elected, her administration would prioritise infrastructure development, human capital development and grassroots security.
The event was attended by several government functionaries and political stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, as well as party supporters from across the state.
