The All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi on Monday began its campaign for the 22 August Local Government Area (LGA) elections in Ikwo.
Party leaders from Ikwo LGA and across the state unanimously emphasised the need for increased collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to secure victory in all 171 wards and the 13 LGAs of the state.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, while presenting the party’s flag to its chairmanship candidate, Chidi Nwode, urged party faithful to unite in ensuring a total victory for the APC at the polls.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila, the governor described the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates as “tested, trusted and marketable”.
“I therefore urge party supporters to embark on issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election.
“We have presented these candidates to you, and it is therefore your responsibility to go into the communities and make them acceptable to the people.
“They are the best candidates to be fielded, so do not be distracted by negative propaganda,” Obila said.
He commended the outgoing council chairman, Sunday Nwankwo, for promoting peace, unity and development, noting that his administration had laid a solid foundation for the incoming leadership.
The chairman of the occasion and former Ebonyi State governor, Chief Martin Elechi, cautioned that political campaigns should not be mistaken for periods of rancour and hostility.
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“I urge all political actors to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to any political party of their choice.
“We are not here to fight anybody, so nobody should intimidate or attack another person 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 State House of Assembly, Chief Moses Odunwa, called on party faithful to support APC candidates at all levels, saying the party remained united in its quest 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.
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Chinedu Ogah, said the event marked the beginning of political mobilisation across the state.
“I urge eligible voters to obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the polls and be assured that every vote will count,” he said.
