Ebonyi map
The All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi on Monday began its campaign for the August 22 Local Government Area elections at Ikwo with the resolve to garner massive grassroots mobilisation.
The party’s leaders from Ikwo LGA and beyond, in unison, emphasised the need for increased collection of Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory across the 171 wards and 13 LGAs of the state.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, while presenting the party’s flag to its Chairmanship Flagbearer, Mr Chidi Nwode, urged party faithful to unite in ensuring total victory for the party at the polls.
Nwifuru, represented by the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Patricia Obila, described the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates as “tested, trusted and marketable”.
“We have presented these candidates to you, and it is therefore your responsibility to go into communities and make them acceptable to the people.
“They are the best products to be fielded, so do not be distracted by negative propaganda,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion and former Ebonyi governor, Chief Martin Elechi, counseled that political campaigns should not be mistaken for periods of rancour and hostilities.
“I urge all political actors to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to any party of their choice.
“We are not here to fight anybody, so nobody should intimidate or attack another because of political differences
“I am confident that the APC will emerge victorious because of the people’s support for the present administration in the state,” he said
Similarly, the Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Chief Moses Odunwa, called on party faithful to support APC candidates at all levels as the party remained united for total victory.
“I urge residents to maintain peace before, during and after the election. I also encourage eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process,” he said.
“I urge eligible voters to obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the polls and be assured that every vote will count,” he said.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Emegha, thanked Ikwo people for their steadfast support for the party as it showed widespread acceptance across the locality.