A leadership dispute has emerged within youth groups in Ezza Clan, Ebonyi State, over the endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The Ezza Ezekuna General Youth Assembly (EEGYA) on Tuesday distanced itself from the endorsement of Odii by another group, the Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly (EEYA), insisting that the endorsement does not represent the position of Ezza youths.

The Guardian gathered that the EEYA had, over the weekend, endorsed Odii as its preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

However, in a communiqué issued after its meeting in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area, and obtained by The Guardian in Abakaliki, the EEGYA said any group speaking on behalf of Ezza youths without its mandate lacked the authority to do so.

The communiqué was signed by the National President of the assembly, Jeff Ogbu, and its Secretary, Comrade Nkwuda David.

The group said it had already adopted Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, citing his leadership style, commitment to equity, justice and fairness.

“EEGYA commends His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, for the remarkable development strides of his administration.

Ezza Clan has been a major beneficiary of road infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment and social welfare programmes under his leadership,” the communiqué stated.

The group also praised the governor’s peace initiatives, saying they had restored stability to communities previously affected by violent crises, including Effium and Abaomege/Ishinkwo.

“We particularly appreciate the Governor for his deliberate peace initiatives that have restored permanent peace to communities that were hitherto engulfed in crises. His commitment to dialogue, justice and security has given Ezza Clan a new lease of life,” it said.

EEGYA further expressed appreciation to the governor for appointing several sons and daughters of Ezza Clan, including many youths, into strategic positions in his administration.

According to the group, “This gesture of inclusion has given our people a strong voice in governance.”

It added that after reviewing the political situation in the state ahead of the 2027 elections, it unanimously adopted Nwifuru as its sole governorship candidate.

The group also declared its support for all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates from the senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly levels, as well as APC candidates in the forthcoming local government elections.

According to the communiqué, the decision was based on “performance, continuity and the need to sustain the gains of the present administration.”

EEGYA maintained that Ezza Clan was not interested in producing either the governor or deputy governor in 2027, in line with the state’s power rotation arrangement.

It warned Ezza sons and daughters against accepting nominations as governorship or deputy governorship candidates under any political party.

“Any Ezza son or daughter who has accepted such nomination is hereby called upon to withdraw immediately or be prepared to face the collective resolve of Ezza youths,” it stated.

The assembly also condemned what it described as the impersonation of the organisation by individuals allegedly using its name to endorse political candidates.
It specifically rejected the endorsement of Odii, describing those behind it as impersonators.

“We make specific reference to the recent purported endorsement of the factional PDP governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, by a faceless group claiming to be members of the Ezza Ezekuna General Youth Assembly.

“Consequently, EEGYA declares such impersonators persona non grata and calls on relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute them in accordance with the law,” the communiqué added.

The group also urged Ezza youths and community leaders to participate actively in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration exercise to strengthen the clan’s electoral participation in 2027.

It reaffirmed its support for Governor Nwifuru and all APC candidates, vowing to resist “through lawful and democratic means” any attempt to undermine the candidates it has adopted.