Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has issued a stern warning to newly sworn-in local government chairmen, stating that any of them who fail to secure their council for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections will be removed from office. The governor made this declaration on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of 13 newly elected council chairmen and vice chairmen held at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki.
Governor's Warning to Council Chairmen
Speaking directly to the new council heads, Nwifuru made clear that their positions carried a political obligation. He said, "It is not hidden. Let the front page of the newspaper tomorrow carry it: 'We will remove a council chairman who did not win his local government.'"
The governor instructed the chairmen to begin grassroots mobilisation immediately upon returning to their respective councils. He expressed confidence that the APC would record a 100 per cent victory across Ebonyi State in the 2027 elections.
Directives for Vice Chairmen and Party Leaders
Nwifuru also addressed the newly sworn-in vice chairmen, urging them to remain loyal to their chairmen. He described the vice chairmanship role as that of a "spare tyre" that must always be ready to serve, pointing to his own Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, a former vice chairman, as a model of loyalty and dedication.
Beyond politics, the governor directed ward-level party leaders to each submit 20 names for appointment as executive assistants to the governor, with preference given to women and youths.
Financial Gifts and Oath of Office
Nwifuru announced financial gifts for the new council officials, with each chairman receiving One Million Naira (N1 million) and each vice chairman receiving Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000). The funds were provided by Gem Brass Construction.
Wrapping up his remarks, the governor reminded the chairmen that their oath of office bound them to serve the people and uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, citing Sections 7 and 8, which protect the existence of democratically elected local government councils.
Praise for Election Conduct
Nwifuru praised the APC leadership in the state, the campaign committee led by Ambassador Franklin Nchita, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as "one of the fairest and most peaceful elections" in the state's recent history. The ceremony was attended by APC National Assembly members, party leaders, and other stakeholders.
