Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has said there will be no imposition of candidates in the forthcoming Local Government Election in the state.

The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission fixed July 20 for conduct of the elections in the 13 council areas.

According to Mr Nwifuru, imposition of candidates ahead of the polls will be vehemently resisted.

The governor stated this in a statement to journalists by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, in Abakaliki, on Sunday.

The statement said that Mr Nwifuru made the pledge during a church service at the Government House Chapel.

He noted that there would be a level playing ground for all the aspirants in the local government areas.

Mr Nwifuru said, “Stakeholders and people at the grassroots will participate in choosing credible candidates that will represent them. I am delighted with the way and manner the present council chairmen handled the issue of security and the way they have interacted with the people at the grassroots. Like I told them last night, those seeking re-election should strive to earn the trust and support of the stakeholders and the people. Our party is a large one; therefore, will do everything possible to resist the imposition of candidates. As a governor, I will not have much to say on who becomes the next local government chairman.’’

 (NAN)