Politics

Nwifuru’s Quiet Politics Faces Its Biggest Test as the 2027 Battle Takes Shape

Published

2 months ago

July 8, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By PETRUS OBI

For more than three years, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has pursued a political strategy that stands out in Nigeria’s often turbulent succession politics.

Rather than engaging in public confrontation with his predecessor, Engr Dave Umahi, he has consistently chosen restraint, patience and consensus-building.

That approach has helped preserve political stability in Ebonyi.

Unlike many successor administrations that descend into open conflict with former governors, Nwifuru has continued to project respect for the man who played a decisive role in his emergence as governor.

Publicly, both leaders have repeatedly affirmed their relationship and their commitment to moving the state forward.

Yet politics is often shaped less by public declarations than by the struggle for influence behind closed doors.

Across Ebonyi, there is growing speculation that a quiet contest for political supremacy is gradually unfolding between the governor and his predecessor.

While neither camp has openly acknowledged any rift, recent political developments have fuelled perceptions that both men are steadily consolidating their respective political structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

One of the most discussed examples is the “tussle for the APC ticket for the Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency. Governor Nwifuru was widely believed to have preferred the return of the incumbent representative, Idu Igariwey. However, the table was recently turned for the emergence of Ekumankama, who is widely seen as enjoying the backing of Umahi. This has been interpreted by many political observers as evidence that the former governor still commands considerable influence within the party.

Whether or not that interpretation is entirely accurate, the episode reinforced one political reality: while Nwifuru controls the Government House, Umahi remains one of the most influential figures in Ebonyi politics.

It is an unusual political equation. One man possesses the constitutional powers of incumbency, while the other retains an extensive political network built during eight years as governor and now occupies a strategic position in President ‘s cabinet.

Interestingly, the governor has continued to resist attempts to draw him into unnecessary political disputes.

A recent example was the controversy surrounding claims that he verbally attacked the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike duringa recentendorsementrallyforPresidentTinubu. The Ebonyi State Government swiftly dismissed the reports, accusing elements of the opposition, particularly the PDP, of deliberately twisting the governor’s remarks in an effort to create friction between the two leaders.

The response reinforced Nwifuru’s broader political style—avoiding public confrontations that could distract him from governance or create avoidable divisions within the ruling party.

Rather than escalating tensions elsewhere, Nwifuru has largely responded with silence and composure. He has neither publicly criticised his predecessor nor allowed perceived disagreements to dominate public discourse.

That restraint appears calculated. An open confrontation could fracture the APC, weaken governance and hand political opportunities to the opposition.

Instead, the governor has quietly strengthened his own political foundation. Through appointments, stakeholder engagement, consultations and the execution of projects, he has continued to expand his influence across Ebonyi’s thirteen local government areas.

Today, much of the state’s political establishment appears aligned with the governor. Members of the State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, and many grassroots party leaders have publicly identified with his administration. While political loyalties can evolve, incumbency remains one of the strongest advantages in Nigerian politics.

Perhaps Nwifuru’s greatest political strength is that he has largely avoided creating unnecessary enemies. In a political environment where confrontation often defines leadership, he has preferred accommodation to conflict. That has enabled him to consolidate authority steadily while maintaining an image of stability and maturity.

However, the road to 2027 may become more complicated.

As political calculations intensify, ambitions will grow, alliances may shift and competing interests within the APC could become increasingly difficult to reconcile. The governor’s greatest challenge may not be defeating the opposition but sustaining unity within a party that contains multiple centres of influence.

His relationship with Umahi will therefore remain central to Ebonyi’s political future. If both leaders continue to manage their differences privately, the APC could approach the election as a united force. If those differences become more pronounced, internal divisions—not the opposition—could emerge as the governor’s greatest political obstacle.

Beyond political calculations, governance will remain Nwifuru’s strongest campaign asset. Infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and job creation will ultimately shape public perception more than political manoeuvring. A convincing record of performance would strengthen his case for continuity and make it more difficult for opponents to gain traction.

His close relationship with President Tinubu’s administration is another advantage. Should the Federal Government continue maintaining political momentum, Nwifuru could benefit from the goodwill generated by that partnership, particularly in a state where the APC remains the dominant political force.

Still, politics rarely rewards complacency. Economic pressures, changing voter expectations, unforeseen political realignments and disagreements within the ruling party could alter today’s political calculations before 2027.

As matters stand, Governor Francis Nwifuru appears to occupy a strong position ahead of the next governorship election. He enjoys the advantages of incumbency, broad institutional support, a relatively peaceful political environment and a reputation for measured leadership.

Yet one question continues to hover over Ebonyi politics: can the governor and his influential predecessor continue to manage an increasingly delicate relationship without allowing a quiet rivalry to become an open political confrontation?

The answer may ultimately determine not only Nwifuru’s re-election prospects but also the unity of the APC in Ebonyi and the party’s ability to deliver another commanding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.

For now, the battle is not being fought through fiery speeches or public attacks. It is being waged through influence, negotiations, strategic endorsements and the gradual consolidation of political structures. And in politics, the quietest contests often produce the most significant outcomes.

Politics

2027: Mass Protest Vote Looms in Anambra South as NOWAS Backs Onunkwo

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

Ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections, a mass protest voting movement may be building up in Anambra South Senatorial District, following reported moves by members of major political parties to support the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Ebuka Onunkwo.

The development is said to be linked to grievances among some members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the treatment allegedly meted out to Onunkwo during previous political contests.

Onunkwo, who had previously contested the Anambra South senatorial seat under APGA, later emerged as the NDC candidate for the 2027 election.

Although the ADC is currently embroiled in legal disputes over the authentic candidates and the conduct of its primary elections, some members of the APC and APGA are also reportedly dissatisfied with developments within their respective parties.

It was gathered that a section of APGA members, in particular, are backing Onunkwo as a form of protest over the conduct of the party’s senatorial primary, while some members of other parties are also believed to be considering voting for him irrespective of their party affiliations.

Confirming the growing support for Onunkwo, the Chief Executive Officer of NOWAS Oil and Gas Limited and a major stakeholder in Anambra South politics, Chief Ignesus Ikechukwudere Nnubia, said the NDC candidate currently enjoys widespread acceptability across party lines.

Nnubia said the growing support for Onunkwo had made his party affiliation less significant, arguing that voters would ultimately vote according to their conscience and assessment of the candidates.

He said, “At the moment, the number of APGA members with him and supporting him makes one wonder what is left of that party. Even the remnants of the PDP have pitched their tents with him, while members of the ruling APC at the national level are also behind him.

“So, the party that he belongs to is not a factor at all. You know that it is a game of numbers, and people are going to vote according to their conscience and not necessarily because of the political party they belong to.

“People are not bound to vote for their party, and some of them are ready and willing to vote for him.

“We are not talking about the party because he will surely get votes from the NDC, APGA, APC and even other political parties that are already closing ranks to support him as their candidate.”

Nnubia further described Onunkwo as the candidate currently standing tall among the contenders for the Anambra South senatorial seat, expressing confidence that his emergence would usher in what he described as a “new dawn” for the district.

He said political parties should not be the major consideration for voters, stressing that what matters most is the ability of elected representatives to improve the lives of their constituents.

According to him, political parties exist because of the people, and therefore the influence of party structures and incumbency has its limits during elections.

Nnubia said those factors would ultimately be tested by the electorate in the 2027 election, which he described as a contest in which voters’ choices would determine the outcome.

Politics

2027: Odii: I’ll Attract ₦2tn Investment to Ebonyi in Six Months

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ebonyi State election, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has pledged to attract more than ₦2 trillion in private-sector investment to the state within six months of assuming office if elected.

Odii made the pledge while addressing supporters in Lagos ahead of the formal commencement of his campaign.

He said his investment strategy would cover key sectors of the Ebonyi economy, including mining, hospitality, real estate and manufacturing.

According to the PDP candidate, he has identified more than 2,000 prospective investors, each capable of investing about ₦1 billion in the state.

“I have over 2,000 people who can invest ₦1 billion each. When you multiply it, you will get over ₦2 trillion. This has been structured in such a way that all aspects of the economy will be involved,” Odii said.

He said the proposed investment drive was designed not only to inject capital into the state but also to create jobs, expand the productive base of the economy and provide opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.

Odii said Ebonyi’s natural resources and strategic location placed it in a strong position to attract large-scale investments if its economic potential was properly harnessed.

He promised that his administration would prioritise private-sector participation, industrialisation and job creation while creating an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors.

The candidate also said existing businesses in the state would be supported to expand, while new investors would be encouraged to establish operations across various sectors.

His pledge comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with economic development, employment generation and wealth creation featuring prominently in his campaign message.

The proposed ₦2 trillion investment target within six months, if achieved, would represent a significant boost to Ebonyi’s economy and rank among the most ambitious private-sector investment mobilisation plans proposed in the state.

Politics

Anambra APC Sidelined Over First Lady’s Visit, Says Chairman Anosike

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

The planned visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Anambra State has sparked controversy following a protest by the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, that the party was not informed about the visit.

Anosike said the APC in Anambra was never consulted or briefed about the proposed visit, adding that the party was taken aback by reports that the wife of the party’s national leader and presidential candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would be visiting the state without recourse to the state chapter.

He said, “It is indeed strange that the First Lady of our presidential candidate is visiting Anambra State without recourse to the party in the state.

“The party wishes to state categorically that we are not part of the arrangements for the reception of our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, because the party was never put in the picture.”

Anosike also dismissed the mantra that “The Progressives Are Working Together”, being canvassed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), describing it as a smokescreen by the ruling party in Anambra to hijack President Tinubu’s re-election from the APC.

He said, “For instance, the APGA-led government in Anambra State did not interface with us on the organisation of the visit, and the party wonders if the progressives are indeed working together.”

The APC chairman, however, said the development would not compromise the First Lady’s visit, urging all APC members and supporters in the state to turn out and give Senator Oluremi Tinubu a warm welcome.

He stressed that despite the party’s reservations over the arrangements, APC members remained committed to welcoming the First Lady to Anambra State.

Politics

2027: Former Deputy Governor Resigns From APC

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Sagir Saleh, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Saleh, who served as deputy governor under former Governor Isa Yuguda, announced his resignation in a letter submitted to the party leadership in Katagum Local Government Area.
He cited personal reasons for his decision but did not provide further details.
His exit comes amid growing disagreements within the Bauchi APC following the party’s 2027 governorship primary. Other prominent members, including former governorship aspirant Bala Jibrin and Sunusi Kunde, an associate of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, have also reportedly left the party.
Jibrin, a former National Auditor of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), resigned on August 31, 2026, following his opposition to the emergence of former Bauchi Governor Muhammad Abubakar as the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate.
He had criticised the primary process and questioned how the candidate emerged.
Kunde also resigned from the APC in August, submitting his resignation to the party chairman of Beti Ward in Misau Local Government Area.
The latest departures are coming as efforts continue to resolve internal disputes and disagreements among APC members in the state.

Politics

Primate Ayodele Warns Peter Obi, Atiku Over Alleged Assassination Plot Ahead of 2027

Published

2 weeks ago

September 6, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to assassinate former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election.

Ayodele issued the warning in a video shared on his verified X account on Sunday, urging both opposition figures to strengthen their security and remain vigilant.

The cleric did not identify those allegedly behind the purported plot but claimed that attempts were being made to eliminate Obi and Atiku.

According to him, divine intervention would prevent the alleged plan from succeeding.

“Obi and Atiku, be very conscious of your security. They are looking for any means to eliminate Obi and Atiku.

“But God will never allow it to happen. Watch out and be cautious about your security,” he said.

Ayodele also urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider travelling to the United States, alleging that there were forces in America working against his political fortunes.

The claims come as political activities and realignments intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.