...Summit maps out power rotation among three senatorial zones up to 2047, urges peaceful political transition
Political leaders and stakeholders in Ebonyi State have adopted a governorship zoning arrangement that supports Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone to complete its tenure in 2031, before power shifts to Ebonyi Central from 2031 to 2039 and subsequently to Ebonyi South from 2039 to 2047.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders’ Political Summit held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, with the theme, “Orderly and Peaceful Political Transition in Ebonyi State: The Way Forward.”
The summit, which brought together political leaders and stakeholders across party lines, the three senatorial zones and the 13 local government areas of the state, emphasised equity, fairness, political stability and peaceful coexistence as essential ingredients for a smooth political transition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The communiqué stated that the summit resolved that Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone should be allowed to complete the governorship tenure in the 2027 electoral cycle, in line with the established rotation principle and the need to promote equitable political inclusion.
It further outlined the proposed zoning arrangement as Ebonyi North from 2023 to 2031, Ebonyi Central from 2031 to 2039, and Ebonyi South from 2039 to 2047.
The summit urged political leaders and stakeholders to uphold the arrangement, stressing that the process should not be truncated or altered. It also called for the equitable distribution of public amenities across the senatorial zones to strengthen justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence.
The gathering was attended by the first Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Ominyi Egwu, CON, while the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Prince Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, participated as Special Guest of Honour.
Other prominent personalities at the summit included former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi, CON; and former Governor of the state and Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, CON.
According to the communiqué, participants deliberated extensively on the future of the state, with contributions reflecting perspectives from the three senatorial zones and the 13 local government areas.
On political stability, the summit reaffirmed that peace, unity and stability were indispensable to the continued development of Ebonyi State.
It called on political leaders, public office holders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders and citizens to protect the state's cohesion, irrespective of political affiliation or other differences.
The summit also urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities with restraint and mutual respect, while rejecting inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation, political violence and other actions capable of undermining public order.
On political succession, the stakeholders acknowledged the history of governorship rotation among the three senatorial zones since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
The communiqué noted that the administrations of former governors Sam Egwu, Martin Elechi and David Umahi, representing Ebonyi North, Central and South respectively, each served two four-year terms.
It maintained that continuity, mutual accommodation and respect for established political understandings had contributed to the state's stability, urging political leaders to sustain dialogue and responsible engagement in addressing future leadership questions.
The summit also commended the development initiatives of Governor Nwifuru's administration, particularly the objectives of the People's Charter of Needs, which focuses on improving the welfare and living conditions of residents.
Areas highlighted included infrastructure and rural development, education, human capital development, healthcare and social welfare, agriculture and food security, women's empowerment and youth development.
The stakeholders called on political leaders, traditional and religious institutions, women, youths, traders, market associations, teachers, civil servants, students, professionals and community organisations to continue promoting dialogue across political divides and discouraging actions capable of creating tension during the transition period.
On the 2027 general elections, the summit urged political parties and aspirants to pursue their ambitions through lawful and democratic means, respect the rights of fellow citizens and avoid hate speech and misinformation.
It also called on security agencies, electoral authorities and the media to contribute to a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process, while encouraging political actors to respect the legitimate roles of relevant institutions in electoral administration and dispute resolution.
The communiqué reaffirmed the collective aspiration for an Ebonyi State that remains peaceful, united, inclusive and development-oriented, describing the state's identity as the “Salt of the Nation” as a reminder of its shared aspirations and responsibilities.
The summit expressed appreciation to the chairman, special guest of honour, distinguished guests, participating leaders, representatives of the 13 local government areas, political parties and community organisations for their contributions.
It urged leaders and citizens to translate the resolutions into practical commitments that would safeguard peace, deepen democratic culture and advance the welfare of the people.
The communiqué was issued in Abakaliki on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, on behalf of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders’ Political Summit.
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