Get Guardian on GoogleA political activist and commentator, Paschal Oluchukwu Omaka, has urged the people of Ezza Ezekuna in Ebonyi state to support candidates who have demonstrated genuine commitment to the community ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oluchukwu, who hails from Umuezeoka in Ezza North Local Government Area, made the call in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja, warning the people against being misled by individuals pursuing personal political interests under the guise of representing Ezza elders and elites.
He alleged that some individuals were attempting to influence the political decisions of the community for selfish reasons, urging residents to assess candidates based on their records and contributions rather than political endorsements.
The political activist also cautioned against blindly supporting Governor Francis Nwifuru’s re-election bid based on expectations that political power would be transferred to an Ezza candidate in 2031.
He further alleged that some Ezza elders and elites had shifted their political allegiance towards a former governor whom he accused of opposing the emergence of an Ezza governor in 2031.
“As the 2027 general elections draw nearer with official kickoff of campaigns by various political parties, it is regrettable that our great Ezza Ezekuna nation is again being deceived by some people selfishly working for themselves and operating under the guise of “Ezza elites” and “Ezza Elders Council” to impose their wills and self-serving agenda on the people.
“Our people should recall my earlier warnings that the ‘elites’ should not deceive or lure Ezza people into blindly supporting the re-election of Governor Francis Nwifuru in 2027 all because they believe power would be handed over to them in 2031.
“I have authoritatively gathered that the elders and elites may have now made a u-turn- preferring now to dance to the tune of a former Governor of the State who does not like or want Ezzas to gain power in 2031 and he has allegedly been using them to destabilize the peace and tranquility in Ezza nation so that certain candidates he sees as threats to his power game would not emerge.”
Omaka argued that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, had demonstrated stronger political friendship towards Ezza people by choosing Ezza sons as running mates in successive elections.
He recalled that Odii selected Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu as his deputy governorship candidate in 2023 and had again picked Hon. Patrick Mgbebu, popularly known as Patman, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, the decision demonstrated a level of political inclusion that should influence the community’s choice in the forthcoming election.
“Some of us have argued that our people must consider the fact that power is never given but taken and even if you were to be given power, a candidate like the PDP Governorship candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii who in 2023 chose an Ezza man- Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu as his Deputy and has again bow chosen Hon. Patrick Mgbebu (Patman) as his running-mate for the 2027 Governorship election has demonstrated more love and friendship to the Ezza nation than those who have never contemplated making an Ezza man a running-mate for reasons best known to them,” he stated.
Omaka maintained that supporting Odii could provide Ezza people with an opportunity to occupy the deputy governorship position while positioning the community for its long-standing aspiration to produce a governor in the future.
The commentator also condemned reported attacks on opposition members and candidates in Ezza South and Ezza North local government areas, calling on political actors to embrace peace as campaigns gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
He expressed concern over incidents involving the destruction of property, injuries and loss of lives, including the disruption of a political campaign in Umuoghara, Ezza North.
Omaka recalled an August 1 attack on a defection rally organised by a PDP member, Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, at Ikwuato Idembia in Ezza South, allegedly by thugs loyal to the ruling APC.
He also mentioned the subsequent attack on Chief Christopher Ngwuta, popularly known as GNG, at his compound in Amaezekwe community.
According to him, the incident reportedly resulted in injuries, property destruction and the loss of an unborn baby by a woman in the affected household.
He further cited the alleged ambush of the convoy of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency, Rollins Offia Nwali, which reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries.
Omaka condemned the incidents and extended his condolences to the affected families.
“No Ezza blood of any Ezza son or daughter should be wasted due to politics especially when other parts of the State are peacefully allowing campaigns and consultations without any reports of violent incidents or attacks on opposition or anyone,” he said.
He also criticised the Ezza Elders Council over its reported position on opposition activities in the community, describing its reaction to the violence as hypocritical in view of what he characterised as earlier comments discouraging opposition politics in Ezza land.
Omaka alleged that the position against opposition activities contributed to the emergence of what he described as illegal Anti-Cult Marshals, accusing the group of being used to intimidate and attack opposition members.
He described the alleged arrangement as unconstitutional and undemocratic, insisting that political differences should not be allowed to threaten the peace of the community.
The commentator also questioned reports that the elders had persuaded some opposition candidates to withdraw from the race while endorsing APC candidates, arguing that such a decision did not reflect the wishes of all Ezza people.
Omaka urged Ezza elders, political leaders and candidates across party lines to allow all political parties to campaign freely and seek support from residents without intimidation or obstruction.
He insisted that claims that the community had collectively endorsed particular candidates for the 2027 elections should be disregarded, stressing that every candidate should be allowed to present their programmes to voters.
“The insinuations in certain quarters that Ezza nation has endorsed certain candidates for certain positions ahead of 2027 should be discountenanced as our people would not short-change themselves by putting all their eggs in one basket,” he stated.
He also called on the elders to organise a genuine peace initiative at the Nchionu Okpoku Ezekuna ancestral ground, where traditional oaths could be taken to promote peaceful elections.
