The Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Interparty Affairs, Comrade Sunday Nwambam, has declared that no viable opposition candidate appears capable of challenging Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in the 2027 governorship election, following the release of the final list of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Nwambam made the declaration in a press briefing in which he commended INEC for adhering to its electoral timetable and described the participation of multiple political parties in the forthcoming election as evidence of the democratic atmosphere under the administration of Governor Nwifuru.
According to him, the emergence of 12 governorship candidates, alongside their running mates, demonstrates that Ebonyi State remains open to political competition, notwithstanding the incumbent governor's re-election bid.
He argued that the number of candidates cleared for the governorship race and the 238 candidates reportedly listed for the State House of Assembly election reflected the administration's commitment to political pluralism and the constitutional right of citizens to choose their leaders.
The governor's aide maintained that the presence of opposition candidates in the electoral process underscored the democratic space available to political parties in the state.
While acknowledging the participation of different political parties, Nwambam urged Ebonyi residents to critically assess the candidates before making their choices, insisting that electoral decisions should be guided by competence, character, experience and the capacity to deliver democratic dividends.
He said a closer examination of the personalities on the governorship list placed Governor Nwifuru and his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, in a stronger position, arguing that several opposition candidates lacked the political experience, organisational capacity and established records required to govern the state effectively.
Nwambam further alleged that some opposition politicians were participating in successive elections primarily for personal political and financial interests rather than a genuine commitment to public service.
He described the opposition field as weak, expressing confidence that the electorate would favour candidates with proven records of leadership and viable political platforms.
However, his assessment represents the position of the governor's aide, as the actual strength of the candidates and their electoral prospects will ultimately be determined by their campaigns, policy proposals and performance at the polls.
The Special Assistant also raised concerns over what he described as the absence of functional offices and grassroots structures among some political parties participating in the forthcoming elections.
He alleged that several parties on the final list did not maintain identifiable offices at the state level, let alone at local government and ward levels.
According to him, the development raises questions about the seriousness of such parties and their capacity to engage meaningfully with voters across the state.
Nwambam argued that political participation should go beyond presenting candidates for elections, stressing that political parties must maintain a visible presence within communities and establish mechanisms for sustained engagement with the electorate.
He therefore called on Ebonyi residents to demand accountability from political parties by insisting that they establish functional offices and demonstrate their commitment to grassroots mobilisation and public service.
He warned voters against supporting parties that, in his view, lack the organisational structures needed to sustain political engagement and effectively implement their programmes if elected.
“Anything short of an identifiable office location for any party participating in the general election should be considered a red flag by the people of Ebonyi,” he said.
Despite his strong criticism of the opposition, Nwambam reiterated his office's commitment to promoting peaceful campaigns and an orderly electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions capable of undermining peace and political stability in Ebonyi State.
The governor's aide also called on voters to approach the election with political maturity, emphasising the importance of examining candidates' credentials, leadership experience, policy direction and capacity to address the needs of the people.
He maintained that the electorate had a responsibility to distinguish between candidates with credible development agendas and those whose participation, in his assessment, was not backed by sufficient political preparation or organisational capacity.
Nwambam's remarks come as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general election, with the governorship contest expected to attract attention from stakeholders across Ebonyi State.
Governor Nwifuru, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains the central figure in the contest, while opposition parties will be seeking to convince voters that they offer credible alternatives to the incumbent administration.
The outcome of the election will depend on the choices of eligible voters, the campaigns mounted by the participating candidates and parties, and the conduct of the electoral process.
Nwambam,urged Ebonyians to remain peaceful, scrutinise the candidates before them and make informed decisions in the interest of the state's continued development.
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