The Ezza Ezekuna Development Association (EEDA) and major transport unions across Ebonyi State have declared their support for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsements were announced during separate rallies held in Abakaliki on Thursday, with both groups citing the governor’s developmental projects, commitment to democratic governance, and adherence to the state’s zoning arrangement as reasons for their support.
Speaking on behalf of the Ezza Ezekuna Development Association, National President Chief Kingsley Akam, alongside Secretary Comrade Uchechukwu Edeh and Professor Chike Emmanuel Onwe, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Ebonyi State’s rotational governorship system.
According to the association, the governorship seat should remain in Ebonyi North Senatorial District until 2031 in line with the state’s power-sharing arrangement, which allows each of the three senatorial zones to complete two terms in office.
The association stated that its endorsement of Governor Nwifuru was guided by the principles of fairness, equity, justice, and political stability.
EEDA also distanced itself from a previous endorsement of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant by a group identified as the Umuekumenyi Leaders Council, describing the body as lacking the mandate to speak for the Ezza people.
The association insisted that its position represents the collective interest of the Ezza clan and pledged to defend the existing zoning structure in Ebonyi State.
In a related development, thousands of transport operators participated in a solidarity rally in Abakaliki, publicly endorsing Governor Nwifuru as their preferred candidate for the 2027 election.
The procession, which featured buses, tricycles, motorcycles, mini-trucks, and other commercial vehicles, moved through major roads in the state capital before concluding at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium.
Addressing the gathering, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Prince Emeka Collins Igboke, said the endorsement reflected the governor’s achievements in the transport sector and his efforts to promote inclusive leadership.
He highlighted several initiatives of the administration, including the introduction of free transportation for civil servants through the People’s Charter of Needs buses, the launch of EBOCAB, the acquisition of additional buses for EBOTRANS, the rehabilitation of traffic control systems, and the construction of modern bus shelters across the state.
Leaders of transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Nigeria Lorry Drivers Association, and the Ebonyi State Tricycle Riders and Owners Association, commended the governor’s leadership style.
They noted that the administration had improved peace within the transport sector, strengthened security, enhanced road infrastructure, and created a more stable operating environment for transport operators.
Responding on behalf of Governor Nwifuru, the Chief of Staff, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, expressed appreciation for the endorsements and assured stakeholders that the administration would continue implementing policies aimed at improving transportation, public safety, and economic development across Ebonyi State.
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