Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Comrade Chief Eze Oko Splendour, has cautioned voters against placing undue value on political endorsements by groups, organisations, and individuals, describing many of them as manipulated and sponsored.
Criticism of Endorsements
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, the governorship hopeful criticised the growing wave of endorsements and adoptions of political candidates in the state, arguing that genuine leadership should be judged by visible projects and tangible development rather than orchestrated political support.
“You do not need to beg for adoption if you are working for the people. Your work will always speak for you any time, any day,” he said.
APC Senator Responds
However, in a swift reaction, Senator Ken Eze, representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, dismissed the Labour Party candidate’s claims, describing politicians of his type as “food-is-ready politicians” seeking to reap where they did not sow.
The senator defended the endorsements received by candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting they were deserved and reflected the achievements of the party in the state. Eze, who chairs the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, said the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru had made significant progress in governance and youth empowerment, justifying the endorsements.
Achievements Cited
According to him, the governor has recorded notable achievements, including the appointment of youths into sensitive government positions, youth empowerment initiatives, and scholarship awards for Ebonyi students in Nigerian and foreign universities. He also cited the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers and more than 600 medical professionals, including doctors, laboratory scientists, and nurses, saying the administration had transformed Ebonyi “from a state of jobless people to a state of gainfully employed and engaged people.”
The senator further stated that Ebonyi’s economy is experiencing positive growth, driven by improved ease-of-doing-business ratings and increased local and foreign investments. He added that members of the National Assembly from the state had also delivered democratic dividends to their constituents, particularly in rural communities.
“We have built houses for widows, empowered our teaming youths, provided employment opportunities, constructed access roads, supplied potable water, and delivered other social amenities. That is why the people are endorsing us,” Eze said.
He advised the Labour Party candidate to stop what he described as “Facebook campaigns of calumny” and instead present his plans to the people. “I am not even sure he is contesting anything,” the senator added.
LP Candidate Reiterates Stance
Responding, Comrade Eze maintained that Ebonyi people are more interested in completed and commissioned projects than what he termed “fake political adoptions.” He urged citizens to remain focused on demanding accountability, transparency, and good governance from political leaders.
“No amount of political adoption can replace meaningful development in the state,” he said. “Ebonyi people prefer to see completed and commissioned projects. We refuse to be distracted by these political gimmicks.”
The Labour Party governorship hopeful ended on a hopeful note, declaring, “Ebonyi State shall rise again. God is our helper.”
