Abakaliki, Nigeria – The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi State has described its candidates for the 2027 general elections as credible, acceptable and sellable, expressing confidence in their chances at the polls.
The state chairman of the party, Mr Emmanuel Nwankwo, made this known during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki on Friday.
Nwankwo said the candidates were focused on matters affecting the electorate, adding that their records of service and engagement with constituents would give the party an advantage.
The party’s candidates include Chikaodili Ojimba, candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Chief Tochukwu Ogalagu, who is seeking election to the House of Representatives, Mr. Ifeanyi Oboti, candidate for the State House of Assembly, and Emeka Irem, candidate for the Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency.
Others are Nnamdi Aja – Ivo/Ohaozara/Onicha Federal House of Representatives, Emmanuel Ofoke —Abakaliki South State House of Assembly, Chidi Nwite – Abakaliki North State House of Assembly.
According to Nwankwo, the candidates have made major contributions like offers of scholarships, job facilitation, empowerment programmes and free medical outreaches to strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
He said the party had been consulting with residents across Ohaukwu, Ebonyi North, Ezza North, Ishielu, Ohaozara and Afikpo, among other areas, to strengthen its support base.
On preparations for the elections, the chairman said APGA was working towards determining an appropriate date to commence its campaign activities.
He added that the party was following the electoral guidelines and timetable to ensure compliance with all requirements ahead of the polls.
Nwankwo said victory in the 2027 elections is the party’s major priority, expressing confidence in its candidates and supporters.
He said APGA would not resort to violence, intimidation and the destruction of campaign materials belonging to other political parties, but instead will focus on grassroots mobilisation and programmes of its candidates.
“We will not join them in tearing billboards, fighting or getting involved in any form of violence. We are focusing on campaigns, canvassing and telling the people the reality,” he said.
The chairman said the party was encouraged by the acceptance of its candidates across constituencies and political zones in the state, adding that it had developed strategies to strengthen its grassroots structures.
He called on relevant authorities to ensure peaceful, transparent and violence-free campaigns and elections as political activities intensified ahead of 2027.
He also urged security agencies to act against the destruction of campaign billboards, warning that failure to address the practice could threaten the peace in the state.
Nwankwo advised APGA supporters to remain calm and avoid confrontations, online bullying, intimidation and the destruction of campaign materials, urging them to concentrate on persuading voters.
“Don’t join them to cause crisis. Instead, campaign for the party to win,” he urged.
He disclosed that the party had introduced a reward mechanism for members and grassroots organisers who successfully mobilised their wards and polling units for APGA, while appealing to political actors to uphold maturity and sportsmanship.
Nwankwo stressed that elections should not lead to killings, thuggery and property destruction, urging all stakeholders to prioritise the interests of the people and the peace of the state.
