2027: Nwifuru Threatens to Sack Ebonyi Council Chairmen Over APC Performance

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has issued a stern warning to the newly elected chairpersons of the state’s 13 local government areas, saying those who fail to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their councils during the 2027 elections will be removed.

The governor made the declaration on Tuesday in Abakaliki during the inauguration of the newly elected council chairpersons and vice-chairpersons.

Nwifuru said the council leaders would be personally responsible for the electoral performance of the APC in their respective local government areas.

“Any chairman who fails to win his council will be removed from office and replaced with a councillor. I want this information to be on the headlines of newspapers because, as politicians, we would not speak in secret,” he said.

He warned that failure to adequately mobilise support for the APC could cost the chairpersons their positions.

“The chairmen know we would win in the state, and if they choose to sleep and allow others to take their areas, they would be removed,” Nwifuru added.

The governor tasked the newly inaugurated officials with preventing opposition parties from gaining ground in their councils, emphasising that “charity begins at home.”

He further directed the chairpersons to work towards delivering a 100 per cent vote for the APC in the 2027 elections.

Nwifuru also urged the council leaders to avoid personal rivalry with their deputies, warning that disagreements could undermine the effective administration of their local governments.

Speaking to the vice-chairpersons, he advised them to remain loyal to their principals and be prepared to assume responsibility whenever the substantive chairpersons were unable to carry out their duties.

Describing the vice-chairpersons as “spare tyres inside the car boot,” the governor encouraged them to maintain regular communication and cooperation with the chairpersons.

“You should always be available to the chairmen and ask them about your council’s daily activities. Do not listen to gossip and ill advice from your friends against your chairmen because that will destroy your relationship with them,” he said.

Nwifuru cited the political journey of his deputy as evidence that effective service at the local government level could create opportunities for higher office.

He explained that his deputy’s previous experience as a council chairperson and her performance contributed to her emergence as deputy governor.

“She performed in ways people saw her and believed she could do the work of a deputy governor. My deputy is doing the work perfectly and presently enjoying the position,” Nwifuru said.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairpersons, Timothy Nwachi, chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, appreciated the governor and other APC stakeholders for giving them the opportunity to serve.

“We pledge to justify the confidence reposed in us and especially ensure that APC records a landslide in 2027,” Nwachi said.

The newly inaugurated chairpersons include Osborne Umahi, son of Works Minister David Umahi, and Chidi Nwode, who is the brother of Governor Nwifuru’s wife.

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