Stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State have adopted consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, effectively eliminating internal contests across constituencies.
The decision was announced by Governor Francis Nwifuru following an enlarged stakeholders’ consultative meeting held at the Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
According to the governor, the move was the outcome of extensive consultations within the party and was aimed at fostering unity and stability ahead of the elections.
“As the leader of the party, we convened a meeting of stakeholders and deliberated on issues concerning our party,” Nwifuru said. “The outcome reflected a collective agreement among members.”
The meeting, which drew party leaders from all senatorial districts of the state, was convened to deliberate on key issues and to chart a unified course toward the 2027 general elections.
It was also designed to secure unanimous endorsement of candidates who would fly the party’s flag for the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats.
However, some constituencies reportedly stepped down during the process due to the inability to reach consensus.
A subsequent enlarged meeting held on Friday at the Governor’s Office brought together former governors, former deputy governors, former and serving members of the National Assembly, former and serving principal officers of the State House of Assembly, as well as former ministers and ambassadors.
At the gathering, party leaders commended the governor’s foresight in addressing potential political crises before they could escalate.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, former Senate President Pius Anyim said the consensus arrangement was the product of wide-ranging consultations initiated by Governor Nwifuru.
“As stakeholders of the party, we convened a meeting with our stakeholders who are members of our party following the earlier meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026,” Anyim said.
“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.
“Today’s meeting has been very productive, as every stakeholder agreed this is the best way to run a party.
“There is no constituency in Ebonyi State that will be contested, as all issues regarding consensus have been adopted.”
He added that stakeholders urged the governor to sustain his governance strategy, which they said aligns with democratic principles and promotes inclusive leadership.
The consensus arrangement is expected to shape the APC’s political strategy in Ebonyi as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
By Chief Edet Isong