APC rallies support ahead of Ebonyi LG poll, urges peaceful campaign

By Jude Opara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has kicked off its campaign for the August 22 local government elections in Ebonyi State, with party leaders calling for grassroots mobilization, peaceful conduct and increased voter participation.
Speaking during the campaign flag-off in Ikwo Local Government Area, Governor Francis Nwifuru presented the party’s flag to the APC chairmanship candidate for Ikwo, Chidi Nwode, and urged members to remain united in securing victory at the polls.
The governor described the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates as credible and capable, encouraging supporters to focus on issue-based campaigns while avoiding actions that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.
He also urged party members to intensify efforts toward grassroots mobilization and canvass support for the APC across communities, insisting that the candidates should be promoted on their merits rather than distracted by negative propaganda.
Nwifuru commended the outgoing Ikwo council chairman, Sunday Nwankwo, for fostering peace, unity and development during his tenure, saying his administration had laid a solid foundation for the incoming leadership.
Also addressing party faithful, former Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi cautioned against political violence and intolerance, stressing that campaigns should not be turned into periods of hostility.
He urged political actors to respect the rights of citizens to associate with parties of their choice, expressing confidence that the APC would record victory in the election.
Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Odunwa, appealed to residents to maintain peace before, during and after the polls while encouraging eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process.
Similarly, the lawmaker representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Chinedu Ogah, described the campaign launch as the beginning of wider political mobilization across Ebonyi State ahead of the local government elections scheduled for August 22.
Peoples Daily reports that the APC leadership also encouraged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as part of preparations for the election.