The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, effectively ruling out contests across constituencies.

Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the decision shortly after a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Abakaliki, describing the move as a product of broad-based engagement within the party at the weekend.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, the governor said the leadership convened the meeting to deliberate on key issues affecting the party and to chart a unified path toward the next elections.

“As the leader of the party, we convened a meeting of stakeholders… and deliberated on issues concerning our party,” Nwifuru said, adding that the outcome reflected a collective agreement among members.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said the consensus arrangement followed extensive consultations initiated by the governor.

According to him, the process began about a week earlier when the governor notified stakeholders of plans to hold joint consultative meetings across the state.

He explained that the consultations culminated in a larger stakeholders’ session where outstanding issues were resolved, leading to a unified agreement on candidates.

“For the first time in the history of the state, stakeholders, electorates, and party members were fully involved in selecting those who will fly the party’s flag,” Anyim said.

He described the meeting as “most productive,” noting that participants unanimously endorsed the consensus approach as the best method for party cohesion and governance.

Anyim further stated that the agreement means there will be no contest for party tickets in any constituency in the state.

“The implication is that there is no constituency that is going to be contested because we have reached consensus on all elective offices,” he said.

He commended Governor Nwifuru’s leadership style, attributing the outcome to his consultative approach and ability to unify party stakeholders.

The former Senate President expressed confidence that the inclusive process would strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

“Because the people are part of the process, the election will be easier for us to win,” he added, assuring that party members across the state would mobilise support for APC candidates.

He also disclosed that the names of the consensus candidates for various positions would be released in a formal statement.