Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Town Union Presidents across Ebonyi North Senatorial District have made an early political statement by endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement, announced during a gathering of Town Union Presidents at Amagu, the ancestral community of the Izzi- Nnodo Ekumenyi people in Abakaliki Local Government Area, reflects the growing influence of grassroots leaders in shaping political narratives and electoral outcomes in Ebonyi State.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the State President of the Association of Town Union Presidents and President-General of Amagu Autonomous Community, Chief Augustine Akpu, said the decision was reached after extensive consultations among community leaders across Ebonyi North.
According to him, the endorsement extends beyond the presidency and governorship to include Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi for the Ebonyi North Senatorial seat, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Uguru for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency and APC candidates contesting seats in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The decision, Akpu explained, was largely influenced by what the community leaders described as the developmental strides of Governor Nwifuru and Senator Nwebonyi. He cited infrastructure projects, youth empowerment programmes and scholarship opportunities for Ebonyi students as some of the factors that informed their support for the governor’s second-term bid.
Similarly, Senator Nwebonyi received commendation for his constituency projects and legislative representation. The endorsement suggests that many grassroots leaders believe the senator has maintained a visible presence in his constituency and delivered projects that resonate with local communities.
Despite the endorsement, the Town Union leaders used the occasion to send a message to elected officials. Akpu observed that some political office holders had fallen short of public expectations and urged them to improve their performance if given another opportunity to serve. He stressed the need for increased youth empowerment, expanded scholarship schemes and improved welfare programmes for the people.
Beyond politics, the gathering highlighted the growing demand for greater recognition of Town Union Presidents in governance. The Public Relations Officer of the association, Deacon Elijah Ituma, emphasized the critical role community leaders play in conflict resolution, grassroots administration and the maintenance of peace and stability. According to him, government officials should engage more closely with Town Union leaders when implementing development programmes.
That position was reinforced by the President-General of Alioma Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Monday Eze, who argued that many government policies would achieve better results if community leaders were actively involved in their implementation. He lamented what he described as the marginalisation of Town Union Presidents despite their strategic role as grassroots mobilisers.
For many of the leaders present, the endorsement was not merely about politics but also an opportunity to advocate for their welfare. The President-General of Ndieze Enyim Autonomous Community in Izzi Local Government Area, Dr. Austin Ezeora Aligwe, acknowledged the achievements of Governor Nwifuru, especially in infrastructure and workers’ welfare, but expressed concern over the lack of welfare packages for Town Union Presidents.
Aligwe maintained that community leaders have remained at the forefront of grassroots development and mobilization without receiving corresponding support from government and elected representatives. He therefore called for the payment of stipends and settlement of outstanding arrears owed to Town Union Presidents across the state.
The President-General of Mbeke-Ishieke Autonomous Community, Prince Sunday Ogboso, also linked the endorsement to ongoing development projects and infrastructural improvements witnessed in various communities. According to him, the achievements recorded by APC administrations at both state and federal levels influenced the decision of the leaders to publicly support their re-election bids.
Political Analyst Ahmam- Ahman, opinioned that the development underscores the significance of grassroots institutions in Ebonyi politics. While political endorsements often come from party structures and influential stakeholders, the backing of Town Union Presidents carries particular weight because of their close connection to local communities and their role in mobilizing public opinion.
He noted that as the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, the endorsement signals both support for the APC leadership and a reminder that grassroots stakeholders expect greater inclusion in governance. For the Town Union Presidents, political support must go hand in hand with community development, youth empowerment, scholarship opportunities and improved welfare for those who serve at the grassroots level.
Adding that it has highlighted the growing political relevance of community leaders in Ebonyi State and their determination to shape the future direction of governance and development.