2027: Ebonyi Summit supports Nwifuru and zoning

Political leaders and stakeholders in Ebonyi State have backed Governor Francis Nwifuru for a second term and reaffirmed a governorship zoning agreement that would rotate power between the three senatorial zones until 2047.

The approval was reportedly achieved in a unanimous vote at a political summit held at the Christian Ecumenical Center in Abakaliki on Tuesday, following a motion moved by Senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwebonyi.

The summit also decided that Ebonyi North should retain the governorship throughout the 2027 election cycle before power transitions to Ebonyi Central in 2031 and then to Ebonyi South in 2039, with each zone serving eight-year terms.

The summit, held under the theme “Orderly and Peaceful Political Transition in Ebonyi State: The Way Forward”, attracted prominent political leaders, including former governors Sam Egwu and Martin Elechi, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and Minister of Works David Umahi.

In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders said: “Peace, unity and political stability are indispensable for the continued development of Ebonyi State,” urging political actors to place the collective interest of the State above partisan considerations.

The summit called on political leaders, public office holders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society organizations and citizens to protect the unity of the State, regardless of political affiliation and other differences.

He also condemned inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation and political violence, urging aspirants and their supporters to demonstrate restraint and embrace mutual respect as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On zoning, the stakeholders reaffirmed their support for the rotation of governorship between Ebonyi North, Central and South, saying the arrangement helped promote equity, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

The proposed schedule includes Ebonyi North from 2023 to 2031, Ebonyi Central from 2031 to 2039 and Ebonyi South from 2039 to 2047.
The statement noted that the state’s first three elected governors – Egwu of Ebonyi North, Elechi of Ebonyi Central and Umahi of Ebonyi South – each served two four-year terms, describing the model as part of the state’s political understanding on rotation of power.

The summit also called for equitable distribution of public services and development projects among senatorial zones, stressing that balanced development is necessary to promote justice and prevent political tensions.

On governance, stakeholders commended the Nwifuru administration for its development initiatives under the People’s Charter of Needs, identifying infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, food security, human capital development, women empowerment and youth development as priority areas.

They urged the Government and other stakeholders to support efforts to improve the well-being of residents, while calling on political leaders to promote dialogue across party lines and discourage actions that would disrupt the transition period.

The summit also urged political parties, aspirants, security agencies, electoral authorities and the media to work towards peaceful, credible and orderly elections in 2027.

Politicians were advised to pursue their ambitions through lawful means, to avoid hate speech and disinformation, and to respect the rights of other competitors.

The statement, read by Mrs Chioma Nweze, was signed by Umahi, Anyim, Egwu and other leaders on behalf of the summit.

Participants urged political leaders and citizens to translate the resolutions into practical commitments that will safeguard peace, strengthen democracy and advance the development of Ebonyi State.