ORIUZOR, EBONYI STATE — The 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State, Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, has pledged to conduct a peaceful, issue-based campaign devoid of bitterness, violence, intimidation and personal attacks ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Nwagu made the pledge during the flag-off of his campaign in his hometown of Oriuzor, Ezza North Local Government Area of the state, where he called on politicians, party supporters and the electorate to embrace political maturity, tolerance and democratic principles.
The former senator urged the people of Ebonyi State to reject divisive and clannish politics, stressing that competence, experience, leadership capacity and the collective interest of the people should take precedence over narrow political, ethnic and sectional considerations.
He noted that the 2027 general election presents an opportunity for political parties and candidates to showcase their records, experience, leadership abilities, policy directions and development agendas to the electorate.
The NDC flag bearer maintained that his campaign would be anchored on constructive engagement, practical policy proposals and a clear vision for the development of Ebonyi State, rather than unrealistic promises or attacks on political opponents.
According to him, the forthcoming election should be seen as a democratic contest in which candidates present alternative ideas and solutions to the challenges confronting the state.
"I come in peace, and peace is what I seek for our dear state. As we commence the journey towards the 2027 general elections, I appeal to our party members, supporters and the entire electorate to embrace peace, tolerance and political maturity.
"Elections should be opportunities for the exchange of ideas, presentation of alternative policies and democratic competition, not occasions for violence, intimidation, character assassination or unnecessary confrontation," he said.
He particularly appealed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties to approach the election as a democratic exercise rather than a personal confrontation driven by political egos and competing interests.
"I particularly appeal to members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties to see the forthcoming general election as a democratic contest and not a personal attack on anybody's ego or political interest," he added.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, who also served in the House of Representatives, said his ambition was driven by a desire to build an inclusive, peaceful, economically productive and prosperous Ebonyi State where every citizen would have the opportunity to succeed.
He explained that his proposed administration would prioritise practical governance, responsible planning, measurable results and policies designed to address the changing needs of the people.
"I do not intend to overwhelm the people with unrealistic promises or an endless catalogue of political pledges.
"Rather, I believe in practical governance, responsible planning, measurable results and policies that respond to the realities of our time.
"Society is dynamic, and the needs of the people continue to evolve. Therefore, our government will remain responsive, innovative and committed to addressing emerging challenges," he stated.
On the debate surrounding political zoning and power rotation in the state, Nwagu argued that the future of Ebonyi should not be determined by political assumptions or arrangements that lack a firm legal foundation.
He maintained that the central consideration in choosing the next governor should be the capacity of the candidates to deliver effective leadership and accelerate development across the state.
"The fundamental question before Ebonyi people in 2027 should be: who has the experience, competence, capacity and vision to provide the kind of leadership our state urgently needs?" he asked.
Nwagu said he respected the political aspirations of the state's three senatorial zones, ethnic groups, communities and political blocs but cautioned against sacrificing competence and experience on the altar of political rotation.
According to him, the overriding objective of political leadership should be to improve the living conditions of the people, irrespective of their geographical location, ethnic affiliation or political background.
"I respect the political interests and aspirations of every senatorial zone, ethnic group, community and political bloc in Ebonyi State.
"However, I strongly believe that competence, experience and capacity should not be sacrificed on the altar of political rotation.
"Development has no tribal identity. Good roads, quality education, standard healthcare, employment opportunities, security and economic prosperity are the common aspirations of every Ebonyi man," he said.
The NDC governorship candidate further described his party as an alternative platform for rethinking governance, addressing existing shortcomings and charting a new direction for development.
He expressed the belief that the 2027 election would provide Ebonyi voters with an opportunity to assess competing visions and decide on the leadership they consider most capable of advancing the state's interests.
Nwagu's declaration of commitment to peaceful campaigning comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders expected to engage the electorate through policy debates, public consultations and presentations of their respective development plans.
Post a Comment