By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) has presented certificates of return to the 13 newly elected local government chairmen and 171 councillors who emerged victorious in last Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
The certificates were presented to the elected officials at the commission’s headquarters in Abakaliki by the EBSIEC Chairman, Chief Patrick Enyi.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 13 chairmanship seats and the 171 councillorship positions contested in the August 22, 2026, local government elections.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Enyi charged the newly elected council leaders to provide strategic and purposeful leadership in their respective local government areas and ensure that governance remained responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
He urged the elected chairmen and councillors to remain focused on their mandate and justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate through effective service delivery.
The EBSIEC chairman also commended the people of Ebonyi State for their participation in the council elections and their conduct throughout the electoral process.
According to him, the participation of the electorate contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the elections across the 13 local government areas.
Enyi reminded the newly elected officials that they were assuming important leadership responsibilities at the grassroots and, therefore, had a duty to work for the development and wellbeing of their respective council areas.
He urged them to embrace inclusive leadership and work with relevant stakeholders to address the needs of their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected chairmen, the Chairman-elect of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Mr Paul Ituma, pledged to pursue policies that would promote peace, security, agricultural development and social progress.
Ituma said his administration would prioritise initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents and accelerating development across communities in Ohaukwu.
He assured the people that the incoming council leadership would work with traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and other relevant institutions to consolidate peace and security, promote agriculture and advance social development.
The presentation of certificates formally paves the way for the newly elected chairmen and councillors to assume their respective grassroots leadership responsibilities.