Diaspora Group Declares Opposition to Governor Nwifuru's Second Term
The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has formally declared that Governor Francis Nwifuru should not be re-elected in the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State. The group's announcement intensifies the growing political debate surrounding the state's leadership and development record.
AEISCID's position was issued in response to comments attributed to the state's Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Nwali, who reportedly dismissed the group and questioned its credibility following earlier criticisms of the Nwifuru administration.
Group Challenges Commissioner to Present Verifiable Performance Record
In a statement released by its Worldwide President, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, AEISCID challenged Commissioner Nwali to provide a verifiable performance record of the governor's administration. The group argued that despite increased federal allocations to Ebonyi State, several projects cited by the government remain unfinished.
AEISCID referenced infrastructure and housing projects across Ebonyi, claiming they have yet to deliver the expected benefits to residents. According to the statement, recent visits by media representatives to the state did not produce sufficient evidence of completed landmark projects that could serve as proof of the administration's achievements.
Specific Projects Cited as Incomplete
The organisation pointed to the Vanco flyover and tunnel project, the ICT University in Oferekpe Agbaja, and civil servants' housing developments among projects it claims remain incomplete. It also criticised what it described as the government's focus on political activities while major development initiatives were yet to be fully realised.
The group stated, "the masses should outrightly reject Nwifuru's second term bid because he doesn't deserve it." AEISCID further compared developments in neighbouring states, arguing that governments elsewhere were pursuing major economic and transportation projects that could boost regional growth.
Criticism of Commissioner Nwali
Beyond its criticism of the governor, AEISCID also took aim at Commissioner Nwali over his comments about the group. While acknowledging his defence of the administration, AEISCID described him as a "distressed" politician and criticised his public communications.
The group stated, "We would therefore counsel that hence he has taken up the unofficial role of speaking for the government, he should do well to hire the services of professional writers and editors so he does not continue to embarrass Ebonyians and his office!"
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027
The latest exchange reflects growing political tensions in Ebonyi as stakeholders begin positioning ahead of the next governorship contest. The state government has yet to issue a fresh response to the group's latest allegations.
In a related development, the Commissioner for Project Monitoring in Ebonyi State, Mr Felix Igboke, defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing more than 10,000 of his supporters with him ahead of the 2027 elections.
