The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, effectively ruling out contests across constituencies.
Stakeholders' Meeting Outcome
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the decision shortly after a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Abakaliki, describing the move as a product of broad-based engagement within the party over the weekend.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, the governor said the leadership convened the meeting to deliberate on key issues affecting the party and to chart a unified path toward the next elections.
“As the leader of the party, we convened a meeting of stakeholders… and deliberated on issues concerning our party,” Nwifuru said, adding that the outcome reflected a collective agreement among members.
Consultative Process
Briefing journalists after the meeting, former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, said the consensus arrangement followed extensive consultations initiated by the governor.
According to him, the process began about a week earlier when the governor notified stakeholders of plans to hold joint consultative meetings across the state.
He explained that the consultations culminated in a larger stakeholders’ session where outstanding issues were resolved, leading to a unified agreement on candidates.
“For the first time in the history of the state, stakeholders, electorates, and party members were fully involved in selecting those who will fly the party’s flag,” Anyim said.
He described the meeting as “most productive,” noting that participants unanimously endorsed the consensus approach as the best method for party cohesion and governance.
Denial of Rift with Umahi
Meanwhile, Nwifuru has dismissed speculations in some quarters of a rift between him and the former governor, David Umahi.
Nwifuru, in a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, described such claims as baseless speculation by individuals seeking to sow discord.
The governor emphasized that he maintains a cordial working relationship with the minister and that both leaders are committed to advancing the APC’s progress in Ebonyi State.
He reiterated that the APC remains an indivisible family, where all aspirants to various positions will be treated fairly, in line with agreements reached by party stakeholders.
Nwifuru further assured that any outstanding issues relating to consensus candidacy would be resolved amicably, noting that he plans to meet with all aspirants in due course.
