Ishielu Stakeholders Demand Zoning of Chairmanship to Ezzagu Zone

A cross‑section of stakeholders in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are advocating that the 2026 chairmanship seat be zoned to the Ezzagu community, citing equity, justice and fairness. They argue that, according to the long‑standing rotational arrangement that has guided the local government, it is now Ezzagu’s turn to produce the next council chairman.

This development comes ahead of a planned solidarity rally by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 26 October 2025. The rally, announced by APC council chairman Ikechukwu Abba and dubbed a “one‑million‑man march,” is intended to support the reelection of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Francis Nwifuru and the incumbent council chairman, Mrs Ifeoma Agwu. However, the Concerned Stakeholders of Ishielu Local Government Area expressed disappointment and shock at the inclusion of the incumbent chairman’s reelection in the rally’s agenda.

Led by Felix Ukpabi, the group emphasized that endorsing the incumbent would undermine the rotational arrangement and disregard the aspirations of the Ezzagu zone. They urged stakeholders to reject this imposition and respect the zoning principle, which they view as a matter of fairness and equity. While they support the reelection of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, they are adamant that the next chairman must come from Ezzagu.

As the race for the council position heats up, veteran journalist and former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Benjamin Nworie has emerged as a front‑runner. Nworie, who also served on the Governing Board of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Cooperation, aims to address the marginalisation of the Ezzagu zone, which he says has lacked basic social amenities—roads, electricity, water and hospitals—for over two decades. His aspiration also includes consolidating the achievements of Governor Nwifuru’s government in the council area.

With the 2026 chairmanship election approaching, the debate over zoning and the rotational arrangement is likely to continue, as stakeholders such as the Concerned Stakeholders of Ishielu Local Government Area push for a candidate from the Ezzagu zone to take the reins.