The Ohaukwu Youth General Assembly (OYGA) has endorsed Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election and declared support for APGA House of Representatives aspirant, Chief Barrister Tochukwu Ogalagu, for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency seat.

The endorsement came during a solidarity rally organised in collaboration with the Ohaukwu Forum of Comrades, which attracted hundreds of youths from across Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The participants marched from Okwo Ngbo Market to Ezzamgbo Junction, chanting pro-Nwifuru songs and calling on the governor to support Ogalagu’s aspiration for the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the rally, OYGA National President, Comrade Emmanuel Onah, said the endorsement of Governor Nwifuru was based on what he described as the administration’s achievements in security, peace-building, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

He credited the governor with restoring relative peace in communities affected by the Effium crisis and the boundary dispute between Ngbo in Ebonyi State and Agila in Benue State.

“There is absolute peace in Ohaukwu today because of the commitment of Governor Francis Nwifuru. The crises in Effium and between Ngbo and Agila have been substantially brought under control, and our people are grateful for his leadership,” Onah said.

According to him, the large turnout at the rally reflected the confidence of Ohaukwu youths in the governor’s leadership.

“The youths of Ohaukwu have spoken with one voice. We have no other governorship candidate in 2027 apart from Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. He has performed creditably and deserves another term to consolidate on his achievements,” he said.

Onah added that the endorsement was based on performance rather than political party affiliation.

“The 2027 election is not about political parties but about credible candidates. We are an independent youth body and our endorsement is based strictly on performance. Governor Nwifuru has restored hope to many young people through scholarship opportunities, empowerment initiatives and his commitment to peace and development,” he said.

He also argued that equity and fairness required that Governor Nwifuru, who is from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, should complete a second term.

On the House of Representatives race, Onah described Ogalagu as a philanthropist with a strong record of youth development and community service.

He claimed Ogalagu had facilitated employment opportunities for hundreds of youths, supported vulnerable families and pledged to rehabilitate security facilities in parts of Ohaukwu to strengthen local security.

Onah further announced the commencement of a free vocational skills acquisition programme for youths in the area, covering tailoring, fashion design, electrical installation, mechanics, driving and other trades aimed at reducing unemployment.