The Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Media, Ebere Ania Adaolaedo, has defended the proposed Ebonyi State Political Summit, urging opposition political parties to embrace the initiative rather than express anxiety over its potential implications for the 2027 general elections.
Ania, who spoke with journalists in Abakaliki, commended the conveners and initiators of the summit for bringing political leaders and stakeholders together to deliberate on issues affecting the peace, unity, stability and development of the state ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The summit is scheduled for October 2026, although the specific date requires confirmation, as the initial announcement and the day of the week stated in the notice appear inconsistent.
The governor's aide maintained that the summit should not be misconstrued as a partisan gathering or an attempt to undermine opposition parties, insisting that it represents an opportunity for distinguished Ebonyi leaders to contribute to discussions on the future of the state.
According to her, the conveners are individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of Ebonyi State and continue to demonstrate commitment to its progress, irrespective of their political affiliations.
"These conveners, irrespective of party affiliation, are key leaders within the zones of the state and know what is apparently good for the state. They can make propositions, prognostications and suggestions for the benefit of the state," she said.
Ania argued that the contributions of the conveners should be assessed based on their experience, capacity, investments and longstanding relationship with the state rather than their political affiliations.
She questioned whether the people should place greater confidence in leaders who have remained committed to Ebonyi State through challenging periods or those whose political interest in the state becomes prominent during election seasons.
"Ebonyi State is for Ebonyi people, and these conveners have the inalienable right to converge and chart a course for the betterment of the state," she added.
The governor's aide, who expressed support for Nwifuru's programmes, policies and re-election bid, urged residents across the state to sustain their support for the administration, noting that its policies and programmes had positively affected the lives of citizens in different ways.
She stressed that the future of Ebonyi State must be protected from political manipulation, warning against the tendency of some politicians to use the state as a campaign platform for personal ambition during election periods.
According to her, the summit is intended to encourage constructive engagement among political leaders and promote peaceful electioneering before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
"The gathering is non-partisan. It is not an APC convention but an Ebonyi People's Democratic Dialogue, designed to stress the need for peace and stability in the state as the election draws closer," she explained.
Ania further argued that the summit would not determine electoral outcomes, pointing out that voting would take place through the established electoral process rather than at a political gathering.
She therefore urged opposition parties to concentrate on developing credible manifestoes, engaging voters and conducting peaceful, issue-based campaigns instead of expressing apprehension over the proposed meeting.
"The choice of the conveners was wisely done. We need to hear from the leaders of the state who have been in the state and contributed their quota towards its advancement. These distinguished individuals have held both state and national positions for the betterment of Ebonyi State," she said.
She maintained that the experience of the conveners made their contributions relevant to discussions about the state's political future, particularly at a time when stakeholders were expected to consider strategies for sustaining peace, unity and development.
Ania also observed that the opposition's concerns over the summit could be linked to apprehension about whether influential political leaders would support their respective ambitions in 2027.
She, however, insisted that there was no justification for political panic, arguing that candidates confident in their popularity, manifestoes and records of achievement should focus on mobilising support from the electorate.
" If you want anybody to vote for you during every stage of the forthcoming election, go and canvass for votes; go for consultations. Do your political homework. There's no need for any form of panic if you are on the ground and believe that Ebonyi people will vote for you based on your manifesto and records of accomplishments," she said.
The governor's aide reiterated that the proposed summit should be viewed as an opportunity for political dialogue and consultation among stakeholders committed to the collective interest of Ebonyi State.
She called on political actors across party lines to prioritise peace, responsible political engagement and the long-term development of the state as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
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