The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State has thrown its weight behind Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's re-election bid in 2027, following the withdrawal of its governorship candidate, Chief Mrs Lucy Odom, from the race in support of the incumbent governor.
The endorsement was announced on Saturday in Abakaliki during a gathering of the party's state and national leaders, candidates and other stakeholders, marking a significant political alliance between APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, APGA's Ebonyi North Senatorial candidate, Chief Chikaodili Ojimba, described the development as a landmark decision, commending Odom and her running mate, Terry Alu, for their sacrifice and commitment to the collective interest of the party.
Ojimba said Odom had demonstrated political maturity and integrity by honouring the understanding reached within the party despite the challenges associated with political negotiations and alliances.
He assured the former governorship candidate and her running mate that their contributions would not be forgotten, adding that the party would recognise their sacrifices.
He consequently urged APGA members to return to their respective constituencies and mobilise massive support for Nwifuru, citing the governor's achievements in infrastructure, security, peace and development as reasons for the endorsement.
Ojimba, however, cautioned party supporters against violence, stressing that electoral victory could only be achieved through peaceful engagement, effective organisation and strategic grassroots mobilisation.
"Violence does not win an election," he warned, urging members to remain focused on securing victory for Nwifuru and other APGA candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Also speaking, APGA's candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Barrister Tochukwu Ogalagu, popularly known as T-Man, described the endorsement as evidence of growing cooperation among progressive political forces.
Ogalagu dismissed insinuations of hostility between APGA and APC, explaining that the emerging alliance was a strategic arrangement aimed at strengthening both parties and consolidating the developmental agenda of the Nwifuru administration.
He maintained that political differences should not stand in the way of constructive collaboration, noting that the ultimate responsibility of political parties was to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
He urged APGA supporters to ignore distractions and intensify mobilisation at the grassroots, declaring that the party's attention should remain firmly on the 2027 elections.
"The best way to distract your supporters is to win this election. Our eyes should be on the ball. Don't mind the distractions," he said.
Ogalagu further disclosed that the endorsement marked the beginning of a wider mobilisation exercise, adding that the party would announce the date for the formal flag-off of its campaign activities in the state.
Similarly, APGA's candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Ugochukwu Ojike, welcomed the decision, describing it as a positive development that would strengthen political cooperation and advance the interests of Ebonyi State.
Ojike expressed confidence that the alliance would translate into the desired electoral success in 2027.
Earlier, the APGA State Chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Nwankwo, said the endorsement followed a deliberate decision by the party to promote peace, unity and sustained development in the state.
Nwankwo, who presided over the meeting, said APGA resolved to support Nwifuru's second-term ambition in recognition of his administration's efforts towards fostering political harmony and peaceful coexistence across Ebonyi.
He described the arrangement as a progressive alliance between APGA and APC, insisting that both parties were working towards a common political objective.
"We endorse our dear governor to continue his good work. We endorse him because he has brought peace and unity among everybody," he said.
The chairman disclosed that directives would be issued to APGA structures across the 13 local government areas to mobilise members and supporters for the governor's re-election.
"The endorsement today is a solemn commitment. After endorsing him, we will give directives to all our people across the state so that they will vote massively for Nwifuru," he added.
In her remarks, Odom explained that her decision to withdraw from the governorship contest followed extensive consultations with party members, political stakeholders and other relevant interests.
She said the decision was reached after considerable deliberations, stressing that the party carefully considered the benefits of continued collaboration with the Nwifuru administration.
According to her, the development priorities of APGA and the governor's administration had converged, making cooperation a more beneficial option for the state.
"The decision to step down today took a lot of effort and consultations, ranging from party members to other stakeholders and everybody that matters. We took time to arrive at that decision, and today it has been concluded," she said.
Odom reaffirmed her commitment to the political understanding reached by the party, describing the alliance as an opportunity to consolidate development efforts in Ebonyi State.
The South-East Zonal Treasurer of APGA, Mrs Beatrice Nkwuda, said the endorsement was in line with resolutions of the party's State Executive Council, which were subsequently affirmed by its national leadership.
Nkwuda, who moved the motion for Nwifuru's adoption as APGA's preferred governorship candidate, said the decision reflected the party's commitment to collective interest and prevailing political realities.
The motion was seconded by Prince-Will Chukwu, APGA's candidate for Afikpo North-West State Constituency, and received the support of members at the gathering.
The party's South-East Auditor, Joseph Elom, also endorsed the decision, pledging that members would work across the state to ensure its success.
Similarly, APGA National Youth Leader, Onyebuchi Eze, who represented the party's national leadership, described the alliance as a strategic political arrangement aimed at promoting progressive governance and delivering democratic dividends.
Eze subsequently inaugurated a door-to-door campaign committee for Nwifuru's re-election, charging its members to embark on intensive grassroots mobilisation across the state.
He urged youths and other party members to place political strategy and collective interests above emotions, maintaining that strategic alliances were necessary for achieving meaningful political objectives.
"Politics is not a game of emotions. Politics is a game of strategy and, of course, a game of interest," he said.
Eze also called on APGA members to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid at the federal level, describing the move as part of a broader progressive alliance between APGA and APC.
The endorsement motion was eventually subjected to a voice vote by the state chairman and received overwhelming support from members present.
The party resolved to commence coordinated grassroots mobilisation across Ebonyi's 13 local government areas, with the newly inaugurated campaign committee expected to spearhead door-to-door engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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