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Party Leadership Declares Endorsement at Mega Rally
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State has formally endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The declaration was made last Saturday during a party mega rally held in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Chikaodili Ojimba, the APGA candidate for the Ebonyi North Senatorial District, announced the endorsement at the event. Ojimba stated that the decision followed the prior resolution of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Lucy Odom, to step down from the race in order to support Governor Nwifuru.
Ojimba characterized the endorsement as a "significant political realignment" ahead of the 2027 general elections and described it as a landmark development for the state. He urged party members to return to their respective constituencies to mobilize support for the governor, citing his recorded achievements in infrastructure, peace, security, and development.
During the rally, Ojimba issued a specific directive to the party faithful, urging them to shun political violence entirely. He emphasized that electoral victory must be achieved through peaceful engagement and strategic mobilization rather than confrontation.
Odom Steps Down Citing Alignment of Priorities
Lucy Odom confirmed that her decision to withdraw from the gubernatorial contest was the result of extensive consultations with party members, political stakeholders, and other relevant interests. She stated that the choice was informed by the convergence of APGA’s developmental priorities with those of the Nwifuru administration.
Odom argued that continued collaboration between her party and the governor’s office was considered more beneficial to the state than a contested election. Her running mate, Terry Alu, withdrew from the race alongside her.
During the rally, Ojimba commended Odom and Alu for their "sacrifice, trust, and commitment to the collective interest of the people." He assured the party faithful that APGA would not take their sacrifices for granted and would duly recognize their contributions to the alliance.
Leadership Cites Peace and Unity as Key Factors
APGA State Chairman Chukwudi Nwankwo described the endorsement as a deliberate strategic decision aimed at sustaining peace, unity, and development within Ebonyi. He stated that the party resolved to support Governor Nwifuru’s ambition for a second term in recognition of his efforts to promote political harmony.
Tochukwu Ogalagu, the APGA candidate for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, described the endorsement as a practical demonstration of progressive collaboration. He urged supporters to disregard insinuations of political hostility between APGA and the ruling APC, characterizing the alliance as a strategic arrangement rather than a concession.
Following the announcement of the endorsement, Ogalagu stated that the party would subsequently announce the date for the formal flag-off of its campaign activities in the state. This move signals the transition from internal consolidation to active public campaigning under the new unified front.
