The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Offia-Nwali, has dismissed the claim that the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council has endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He described the group as a “nebulous” and “phony” political organization allegedly bankrolled to disparage the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Commissioner’s Reaction to Endorsement
In a statement issued in Abakaliki, Chief Oguzor accused the group of using the name “Umuekumenyi” to deceive the public while acting as a campaign structure for PDP chieftain, Chief Chukwuma Odii. The group had on Saturday endorsed the PDP candidate for next year’s general election. However, Oguzor dismissed their claim, noting that during electioneering periods, both real and fake political groups emerge. He labeled the so-called Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council as one of the nebulous political groups in Ebonyi State.
Allegations of Fabrication
Oguzor described as “a complete fabrication” the group’s assertion that the Nwifuru government is disconnected from the masses. He cited evidence of “the highest number of youth appointments into sensitive positions,” youth empowerment programmes, and scholarship awards for Ebonyi students in Nigerian and foreign universities as proof of a government “connected with the people like an umbilical cord.”
“Therefore, the government is not in any way undergoing any form of leadership trial or experimentation, except to the greedy and envious elements masquerading as Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council,” he stated.
Economic Growth and Employment
The Commissioner highlighted that Ebonyi’s economy is on a “positive growth trend” with strong ease-of-doing-business ratings and rising local and foreign investment. He pointed to the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers and more than 600 medical professionals, including doctors, lab scientists, and nurses, as evidence that the state has moved “from the state of jobless people to a state of gainfully employed and engaged people.”
Describing Ebonyi as “the most peaceful state in the South East” and “the state with the lowest cost of living,” Oguzor argued that the influx of trucks loading food to other states contradicts claims of economic hardship.
Allegations Against the Council
Oguzor alleged that the Council is “a Campaign Council of Chief Chukwuma Odii, who are speaking from the benefits of him as an ATM.” He referenced “Chief Emmanuel Nwobo, GNG and Co-Travellers,” claiming their exercise “is bankrolled by the Lagos-based ATM.” He urged them to “come clean” and present themselves as PDP members rather than “hiding behind their palms just to deceive Ndu Ebonyi.”
“Ezza Clan worldwide, without exception, has resolved to support the second term of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru,” he said. “They’re free to cash out from Chief Ifeanyi Odii as usual, but not free to use the name ‘Umuekumenyi’ for their bet naija business by expired politicians.”
He concluded: “His Excellency, Rt Hon Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru till 2031, there is no vacancy in Ebonyi Government House.”
Background of the Endorsement
The Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council, at a press conference on Friday, June 13, 2026, endorsed the factional PDP governorship candidate, Chief Chukwuma Ifeanyi Odii, for the 2027 gubernatorial election, accusing Governor Nwifuru of underperformance.
