By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
The Umuekumenyi Leadership Council Union has inaugurated its Local Government and Ward Delegate Council as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that Ebonyi State requires “a new beginning with a fresh air of governance.”
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abakaliki on Thursday, the spokesman of the union, Barr. Emmanuel Nwobo, charged the newly inaugurated delegates to see their appointment as a call to selfless service and democratic engagement.
According to him, the delegates are expected to mobilise citizens across their various communities to actively participate in the democratic process while promoting good governance.
“Today, you are called to service—service to your motherland, service to rescue Ebonyi State and service to consolidate good governance and democracy,” Nwobo said.
He recalled that the council had earlier endorsed its preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election, noting that the decision reflected the collective aspiration of members for a new political direction in the state.
“Our resolve to participate in the 2027 elections and bring about change in Ebonyi State cannot be disrupted. It was the unanimous decision of this council that in 2027 we will ensure that Ebonyi is given a new beginning with a fresh air of governance where the lives and development of our people will truly matter,” he stated.
Nwobo further alleged that the state had experienced economic and infrastructural setbacks in recent years, adding that the organisation remained committed to pursuing democratic change through peaceful mobilisation of citizens.
He urged the delegates not to be discouraged by possible intimidation or opposition.
“Nothing good comes easy, especially when people seek genuine change. You may be mocked, persecuted or intimidated, but remain focused and resilient. Take the message of hope and democratic change to every ward and every community,” he said.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the union, Mr. Christopher Ngwuta (G&G), charged delegates drawn from the eight local government areas of the Umuekumenyi bloc to strengthen the organisation’s grassroots network.
He urged them to return to their communities and mobilise support across wards and local government areas.
“No human being can be a barrier to the interest of the masses and the entire state. No devil and no individual can thwart the will of the people. Go back to your communities and deliver the message from ward to ward, zone to zone and local government to local government,” Ngwuta said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegates, Dr. Friday Mgbada of Izzi Local Government Area and Mr. Ilodibe Nwele of Ikwo Local Government Area expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to carry out their responsibilities diligently.
“We are ready to work from the grassroots. We did it before and we are confident that the votes of the people will count in 2027. We are committed to delivering our assignment from the ward level to the state level,” they said.
In his goodwill message, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Dr. Sunday Andrew Opoke, described the inauguration as a significant step towards deepening grassroots participation in the democratic process.
He urged the delegates to remain committed to their responsibilities and sustain close engagement with the people.
“The task before you is enormous. Be committed to your mandate and remain close to the people. Democracy succeeds when citizens are actively involved in the electoral process and leadership remains accountable to the people,” Opoke said.
Also speaking, the Ebonyi State PDP Woman Leader, Chief Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, called for greater participation of women and youths in the mobilisation drive, describing them as critical stakeholders in shaping the state’s political future.
“This is a movement that requires commitment, courage and unity. I encourage every delegate to work peacefully and mobilise every eligible voter. Women have a critical role to play in determining the future of Ebonyi State,” she said.
Former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Nwankwo, alongside Jennifer Ogochukwu Ugbala, also commended the inauguration, describing the delegates as ambassadors of democratic participation.
They urged the delegates to remain law-abiding, promote issue-based politics and contribute to ensuring that the 2027 general elections are peaceful and credible.