Abakaliki – The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebony Ebo, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, and a group of party aspirants said on Tuesday that the party is poised to win the 2027 general elections. Their confidence rests on what they described as unified leadership, strong grassroots support and a consensus‑driven candidate selection process.
Speaking after the distribution of expression‑of‑interest and nomination forms, Emegha dismissed reports of internal discord. He attributed recent tensions to the “over‑zealousness of a few individuals” and insisted that they do not reflect the stance of the state’s APC leadership. “Sometimes over‑zealousness can push individuals beyond their limits, but this does not undermine the unity of our party. We remain one family, and our decisions are taken in the overall interest of the people,” he said.
Emegha explained that the adoption of consensus candidates followed extensive consultations with stakeholders at ward, local government and state levels. The process, he said, was inclusive and democratic, ensuring that all interests were accommodated before reaching a common position. He credited Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration with facilitating the coordination that, according to the chairman, will strengthen internal cohesion and improve the party’s electoral prospects.
According to Emegha, every APC candidate in Ebony State will receive collective backing. “No candidate stands alone. Every ticket belongs to all of us. We will work collectively to secure victory, as success in our constituencies reflects our strength and connection with the people,” he added.
A number of aspirants who endorsed the consensus arrangement reiterated their support. Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, APC candidate for Ebony North Senatorial District and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, said the model is consistent with the Electoral Act and represents the collective will of party members. He highlighted his legislative record, noting completed road projects, new educational facilities, empowerment programmes and the facilitation of federal appointments in his constituency. Nwebonyi urged party members, especially the youth, to pursue purposeful leadership and self‑less service, emphasizing that public office should serve the common good rather than personal ambition.
Other candidates, including Senator Anthony Ani (Ebony South), House of Representatives aspirants Chinedu Ogah (Ikwo/Ezza South) and Joseph Nwobashi (Ezza North/Ishielu), called on party faithful to remain united as campaign preparations intensify. They expressed confidence that the APC’s governance record and commitment to peace and development will resonate with voters and give the party a competitive edge in the forthcoming elections.
The statements come as the APC seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 polls, a contest that will determine control of all legislative and executive seats at the federal and state levels. Observers note that the party’s emphasis on consensus candidacy and internal cohesion may shape its performance in Ebony State and potentially influence outcomes in other southern Nigerian states.
