By Nkechinyere Ewa
Opposition political parties in Ebonyi State have called for issue-based politics and visionary leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, using a stakeholders’ summit to push for improved governance and economic development.
The call was made on Monday in Abakaliki at the inaugural Stakeholders Political and Economic Summit, organised by political parties to promote dialogue on the future of the state.
The summit, themed “Ebonyi on the Pathway to Good Governance and Economic Development,” attracted candidates and representatives of the Labour Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Democratic Congress (NDC), Action Restoration Movement (ARM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other political parties.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates were absent from the gathering.
Speaking at the event, the NDC governorship candidate, Mr Igwe Nwagu, described the summit as an opportunity for political parties to exchange ideas on governance and development, insisting that the initiative was not designed to favour any particular party.
He urged politicians and voters to promote democracy and reject violence as a means of achieving electoral victory.
Nwagu expressed confidence in his party’s readiness for the 2027 elections, saying it was determined to secure victory through the democratic process.
In his keynote address, a former Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Nwobo, stressed the need for visionary leadership capable of putting the state on the path of sustained economic prosperity.
He said the 2027 elections presented an opportunity for the electorate to assess the leadership qualities and development plans of candidates before making their choices.
“As we prepare for the 2027 elections, our focus must be on a leader with a clear vision to usher Ebonyi into a pathway of sustained prosperity. This is the leadership Ebonyi yearns for,” Nwobo said.
Also speaking, the Ebonyi PDP Chairman, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, commended the initiative, describing it as a step towards building a collective commitment to good governance ahead of the next general elections.
Similarly, the NNPP State Chairman, Mr Steven Ifeanyi, praised the organisers and expressed optimism about the prospects for improved governance and economic growth in the state.
The absence of the APC, which controls the state government, was a notable feature of the summit. As of press time, the party had not issued an official statement explaining why it did not participate.
The summit provided a platform for participating parties to discuss leadership, democratic participation and the economic future of Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.