The Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council comprising two zones in Ebonyi State have disowned their son and Governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru, instead backing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, in the 2027 governorship election.

The zones include Ohaukwu,Ishielu,Ebonyi Abakaliki, lzzi, Ikwo, Ezza South and Ezza North local government areas.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abakaliki on Saturday and signed by the council’s spokesperson,  Barrister Emmanuel Nwibo.

The council, which said it comprises community leaders, professionals, youth representatives, women leaders, stakeholders and citizens from the Umuekumenyi area, said the meeting was convened to review the socio-economic and political situation in Ebonyi State and chart a path forward.

According to the communiqué, members expressed concern over what they described as declining governance standards, economic hardship, youth unemployment and a perceived slowdown in developmental activities across the state.

The council argued that the future leadership of Ebonyi State should be determined by competence, capacity, vision, accountability and proven performance rather than considerations of zoning, political sentiment or geographical affiliation.

“The development and progress of Ebonyi State can no longer be subjected to trial-and-error leadership. The overriding criteria for leadership selection must be based on competence, integrity, vision and commitment to good governance,” the communiqué stated.

The council also called on the state government to address economic challenges confronting residents, including the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining business opportunities.

Members further urged greater transparency, accountability and public engagement in governance, noting what they described as a growing disconnect between government and the people.

The communiqué lamented what the council termed the abandonment of the developmental vision of Ebonyi State’s founding fathers and called on political leaders and stakeholders to recommit themselves to unity, development, fairness and inclusive governance.

On the 2027 governorship election, the council welcomed the emergence of aspirants from different parts of the state, describing the development as a positive sign for democracy.

It stressed that all aspirants should be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that whoever emerges possesses the capacity to reposition the state and restore its developmental trajectory.

The council, however, singled out Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii for special commendation, describing him as “the most credible alternative” for the state’s leadership at this critical period.

According to the council, Odii’s background in the private sector and his perceived leadership qualities place him in a strong position to drive economic growth and development in the state.

“After careful consideration, the council views Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii as the most credible alternative at this moment in our history and hereby adopts him as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State,” the communiqué stated.

The council encouraged Odii not to be discouraged by political opposition or criticism, urging him to remain focused on his political ambition.

In another resolution, the stakeholders announced the formal recognition of the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council as a socio-cultural platform dedicated to promoting the welfare, development, unity and cultural heritage of the Umuekumenyi people.

The body said it would serve as a platform for advocacy, community development, peacebuilding, leadership engagement and the promotion of good governance.

The council also called on sons and daughters of Umuekumenyi at home and in the diaspora to unite in pursuit of development, peace, economic advancement and responsible leadership.

Presidential candidate representing the National Rescue Movement, NRM, Esther Okereke, has asserted that June 12 should not merely be regarded as a date on the calendar.

Okereke emphasized that 33 years ago, Nigerians from all tribes and faiths united not for a political party, but for a shared vision.

The presidential hopeful spoke in a statement released to mark the June 12 Democracy Day.

She stated that Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, China Ubani, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransom-Kuti, and countless unnamed Nigerian student leaders, journalists, and civil rights activists who faced the threat of violence did not sacrifice their lives for mere rhetoric, but for a Nigeria where children can learn without fear, mothers can heal without begging, and young men can find employment without relying on connections.

“If we forget them, we dishonor their memory. Therefore, today we remember. However, remembrance without action is merely lamentation. And Nigeria has grown weary of lamenting,” she expressed in a statement she personally signed on Friday.

“My fellow citizens, I will not deceive you. Democracy is in distress,” she continued.

“The court you seek for justice may sometimes fail to deliver it. The vote you cast in hope may sometimes vanish along the way. The market where a mother sells garri sees her profits consumed by inflation before the day ends.

“Having 100 million Nigerians living in poverty is not just a statistic. That is my neighbor. That is the orphan I assisted last week. That is you and me! If I stand here and pretend that everything is fine, I would be lying.

“But Nigeria can thrive again. Not through magic, but through hard work. Hope is not merely wishing. Hope is making a decision. And I have made my decision; you should too.

“I am not asking for your blood. I am asking for your commitment today, just one more sacrifice. To the youth: Do not flee Nigeria. Flee from fear. Your skills in coding, your music, your entrepreneurial spirit — that is the new oil.

“To the civil servants: Serve with pride once more.

To the diaspora: Return home. Not out of pity, but in partnership, with your collective determination.

“My fellow Nigerians, the heroes of June 12 did not perish so that we could engage in arguments on social media. They sacrificed so that we could collaborate effectively.”