The All Progressives Congress has officially flagged off its campaign for the August 22 local government elections in Ebonyi State, with party leaders calling for peaceful conduct, increased voter participation and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.
The campaign rally, held in Ikwo Local Government Area on Monday, brought together party stakeholders who urged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support the APC in the election across the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.
Presenting the party’s flag to the APC chairmanship candidate for Ikwo LGA, Chidi Nwode, Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by Deputy Governor Patricia Obila, described the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates as credible and capable.
“Our candidates are tested, trusted and marketable. I urge party supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid actions that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election,” Obila said on behalf of the governor.
She also encouraged party members to mobilise support within their communities, saying it was their responsibility to make the candidates acceptable to voters.
“These are the best candidates we can present. Do not be distracted by negative propaganda,” she added.
The governor also commended the outgoing Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, for what he described as efforts in promoting peace, unity and development during his tenure.
Former Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi called on political actors to ensure campaigns remain peaceful and respectful of democratic rights.
“Political campaigns should not be seen as a period for hostility. Every citizen has the constitutional right to belong to any political party, and no one should be intimidated because of political differences,” he said.
Elechi expressed confidence that the APC would record victory in the council elections, attributing his optimism to public support for the current state administration.
Similarly, Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Odunwa, appealed to party members to remain united and support all APC candidates while urging residents to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
“Eligible voters should come out and participate actively in the electoral process,” he said.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Chinedu Ogah, described the campaign launch as the beginning of statewide political mobilisation.
“I encourage all eligible voters to collect and safeguard their PVCs. Every vote will count in this election,” Ogah said.
The APC State Chairman, Stanley Emegha, thanked party supporters in Ikwo for their loyalty, saying the party continued to enjoy broad acceptance across the area.
The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission is expected to conduct the local government elections on August 22.
