The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has accused Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, of allegedly using promises of a power shift to the Ezza clan in 2031 as a strategy to consolidate political support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The group made the allegation in a statement issued in Abuja while reacting to recent political developments in the state, including an endorsement rally organised by the Ezza Elders Council in Onueke and a counter-position taken by the Umuekumenyi Leaders Council in Abakaliki.
AEISCID expressed concern over what it described as increasing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that recent events have heightened tensions within the state’s political landscape.
According to the group, Governor Nwifuru’s absence from the endorsement rally organised in his honour by the Ezza nation raised questions about the sincerity of reports suggesting he had promised to support the emergence of an Ezza governor in 2031 after completing a possible second term in office.
The group noted that although the governor was the principal beneficiary of the rally, he delegated attendance to his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila.
“For us, nothing would have inspired greater confidence among the Ezza Ezekuna people than the governor personally attending the rally and making a direct public commitment to support the emergence of an Ezza son as governor in 2031,” the statement read.
AEISCID argued that the governor’s decision not to personally attend the event has fueled doubts about the credibility of the alleged succession arrangement being promoted among sections of the Ezza community.
The diaspora organisation also expressed support for the position of the Umuekumenyi Leaders Council, which reportedly endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
It commended the council for what it described as political courage and commitment to offering an alternative vision for the state.
The group further criticized the performance of the current administration, alleging that Ebonyi State has witnessed limited developmental progress over the last three years.
According to AEISCID, major infrastructure projects, including the Vanco flyover and tunnel project, have suffered delays that raise concerns about the government’s development agenda.
“The abandonment and slow pace of work on the Vanco flyover project have become emblematic of a government many now perceive as lacking vision, coordination and clear developmental priorities,” the statement added.
The organisation also cautioned the Ezza people against relying solely on political assurances regarding future power rotation arrangements.
It maintained that leadership positions should be determined through democratic participation, strategic political engagement and the collective decision of the electorate rather than informal agreements or verbal commitments.
AEISCID further argued that the 2027 governorship election should be decided on the basis of competence, leadership capacity and vision for the state.
The group also raised concerns over what it described as threats against opposition figures and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies and democratic institutions to ensure that political freedoms are protected in Ebonyi State.
“Democracy guarantees every Nigerian the right to contest elections, express political opinions and freely associate without intimidation or threats. These democratic principles must be protected at all times,” the statement said.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Ebonyi State Government on the allegations were not immediately successful as of the time of filing this report.