ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, unity and development across the state. 

Nwifuru made the pledge on Saturday following the conclusion of the local government elections held across the 13 Local Government Areas of the South-East state. 

The election, which was described by observers as generally peaceful, produced candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners in several local government areas, including Osbourne Umahi, the 28-year-old son of former Ebonyi Governor and current Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi. 

In a statement, Nwifuru said he joined other Ebonyi residents to exercise his civic responsibility by voting at his polling unit, Edupfu Okemini 002, Enyanwuigwe Ward, Izzi Local Government Area. 

He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election and the turnout of voters across the state. 

“I am pleased with the orderly conduct of the election and the large turnout of our people across the State. Reports from across the 13 Local Government Areas indicate that Ebonyians have come out in their numbers to participate in the process,” he said. 

The governor commended residents for what he described as their peaceful participation in the election. 

“I remain grateful to the people of Ebonyi State for their continued support and confidence in our administration,” he said. 

“As we move forward, my commitment remains to the peace, unity and development of Ebonyi State.” 

The local government election was conducted across the state’s 13 LGAs, with the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) responsible for organising and supervising the exercise. 

The ruling APC fielded candidates across all 13 LGAs, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the election. 

Among the notable APC candidates were Osbourne Umahi, who contested the chairmanship of Ohaozara LGA; Prince Ifechukwu Ogbufia, the incumbent chairman seeking re-election in Onicha LGA; and Engr. Timothy Nwachi, who contested for a second term in Afikpo LGA. 

The APC’s participation across all 13 LGAs is seen as part of efforts to consolidate its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

In Ebonyi State, elected local government chairmen and councillors are expected to serve a three-year tenure across the 13 LGAs and 171 wards. 

The tenure applies to both chairmen and councillors elected under the state’s local government electoral framework, after which fresh elections are expected to be conducted. 

The local government election is part of the state-level electoral process through which grassroots leadership is selected in Ebonyi State.