The All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi on Monday began its campaign for the August 22 local government elections in Ikwo, with a resolve to garner massive grassroots mobilisation.

The party’s leaders from Ikwo LGA and beyond, in unison, restated the need for increased collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to secure victory across the 171 wards and 13 LGAs.

Governor Francis Nwifuru, while presenting the party’s flag to its chairmanship flag bearer, Chidi Nwode, urged party faithful to unite in ensuring total victory for the party at the polls.

Mr Nwifuru described the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates as “tested, trusted and marketable”.

“I therefore urge party supporters to embark on issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election.

“We have presented these candidates to you, and it is therefore your responsibility to go into communities and make them acceptable to the people. They are the best products to be fielded, so do not be distracted by negative propaganda,” he said.

He commended the outgoing council chairman, Sunday Nwankwo, for promoting peace, unity and development, noting that his administration had laid a solid foundation for the incoming leadership.

The chairman of the occasion and former Ebonyi governor, Martin Elechi, counselled that political campaigns should not be mistaken for periods of rancour and hostilities.

“I urge all political actors to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to any party of their choice. We are not here to fight anybody, so nobody should intimidate or attack another because of political differences. I am confident that the APC will emerge victorious because of the people’s support for the present administration in the state,” he said

The speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Moses Odunwa, called on party faithful to support APC candidates at all levels as the party remained united for total victory.

“I urge residents to maintain peace before, during and after the election. I also encourage eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process,” he said.

The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South federal constituency at the National Assembly, Chinedu Ogah, said the event was the beginning of political mobilisation across the state.

(NAN)