Stakeholders in the Ivo council area of Ebonyi have commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for promoting peace, political cohesion, and inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 elections.

The stakeholders spoke at an All Progressives Congress mega rally on Thursday night in Ivo for the August 22 local government elections.

The member representing Ohaozara-Onicha-Ivo federal constituency at the National Assembly, Nkemkama Kama, said the rally demonstrated the APC’s popularity and the people’s confidence in the Nwifuru administration.

He urged elected and incoming local government officials to prioritise accountability, service and legacy, stressing that governance should translate into tangible benefits for the people.

The lawmaker also urged opposition parties to make their criticisms constructive and evidence-based, saying the APC-led government would respond to allegations with verifiable projects and records.

He particularly praised Nwifuru for bringing political stakeholders together, describing the governor’s approach as inclusive.

He described Nwifuru as possessing “native intelligence” and political dexterity, adding that peace remained fundamental to development.

“Peace is the fundamental, the root of every development you can think of. Without peace, people will not gather here,” he said.

The chairman of Ivo LGA, Emmanuel Ajah, said his administration had prioritised infrastructure, education, security, empowerment and community reconciliation.

Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the APC chairman in Ebonyi, urged voters to reject what he called “politics of gambling” and uphold zoning, equity and power rotation.

He also called on the electorate to support APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, citing the administration’s interventions under its People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

Presenting the APC flag to the party’s chairmanship candidate for Ivo, Deputy Governor Patricia Obila urged voters to remain united and support candidates capable of consolidating the government’s development agenda at the grassroots.

Other stakeholders, including lawmakers, commissioners, former council officials and community leaders, expressed support for the APC and commended the governor’s emphasis on peace, unity and development.

The rally attracted politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, students, academics, business operators and market women, with party leaders urging supporters to translate the mobilisation into electoral participation.

(NAN)