Some youths in Ebonyi State, under the aegis of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, have declared their support for the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the state, Edward Nkwegu, an architect.
In a communique on Saturday, the group rejected the governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Francis Nwifuru.
Nwifuru has the backing of Governor Dave Umahi.
But the youths, in their communique, said they were not comfortable with his political disposition.
According to them, they are looking for a candidate that will not only protect their interests but also govern Ebonyi State with the fear of God.
The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman of Board of Trustees, Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, Prince Maurice Mbam; the immediate past president of the forum, Edward Nwenu; and Michael Nwambam, among others.
In the communique, the youth forum said, “We hereby adopt Dr Edward Edward, the Ebonyi governorship candidate of the Labour Party, as our consensus candidate for the 2023 governorship election in our state.
“This is in with equity, fairness and justice. We hereby called all the sons and daughters of Izzi Nnodo clan, both home and abroad, to join hands to support the candidacy of Architect Edward Nkwegu of the Labour Party come 2023 governorship poll in our state.
“This will bring peace, unity and progress, not only in Izzi land, but to the entire Ebonyi State. Our support for Sir Edward Nkwegu is as a result of credibility, charity of purpose and unity of Izzi land.
“We came to this very important decision, following the meeting of the Board of Trustees of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum.”
The forum added that it would resist “any form of political hooliganism, threats to life and property.”
“We condemn any form of victimisation, undue violence, undue influence, and vote-buying. We request the state government to give all the political parties a level playing field, to exercise their franchise,” the communique added.
