By Abraham Ovuoba
Member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly of Nigeria, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, has commended Francis Nwifuru for ensuring a peaceful and transparent All Progressives Congress (APC), House of Representatives primary election in Ebonyi State.
Describing the exercise as a major departure from the violence and tension that characterized previous elections in the state, Comrade Ogah, who declared himself the sole APC candidate for the constituency, said his political strength lies in the support of the masses.
He said the governor’s “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda reflects the collective aspirations of the people and not the opinion of any individual.
“Whatever decision taken today is the opinion of the people. It is not a personal decision. The governor only transmitted the wishes of Ebonyi people to the public,” Ogah said.
He maintained that no political office holder could impose any candidate on the people against their will.
“If the masses do not want me, no governor can force me on them. My power is in the people, and that is why I am always ready to contest with anyone,” he added.
The lawmaker further noted that the peaceful conduct of the APC primary in the state was a sharp contrast to previous elections that were often marred by violence and destruction.
“In 2019, when the primary was conducted in, four people were killed, ten vehicles were burned, twenty machines were burned. The kind of love, unity, understanding that the governor of Ebonyi state has shown in Ebonyi politics, we want it to be permanent. Permanent in the sense that there is no rancor, there is no problem, everybody is happy.
Today, there is no fight, no burning of houses, no attacks and no killings. Everybody is here in peace. This is a clear departure from what used to happen in the past,” he said.
Comrade Ogah said voters across all 31 wards and 498 polling units turned out overwhelmingly to endorse his candidacy.
“The masses unanimously called on me to stand for election and represent the constituency again,” he stated, adding that results streamed in ward by ward and reflected the clear will of the people on the ground.
According to him, Governor Nwifuru has brought unity, peace and understanding to Ebonyi politics by creating an enabling environment for everyone, especially the youth, to participate in the political process.
He said the governor’s style of leadership had also reduced the cost of politics and litigation in the state.
Ogah urged journalists and political stakeholders across the country to commend the governor for what he described as exemplary leadership, insisting that other states should emulate Ebonyi’s peaceful political model.
