The Labour Party, LP, candidate for Abakaliki-Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has declared that the political future of Ebonyi State and the fate of candidates in the 2027 general elections will be determined by the electorate, not political stakeholders, influential individuals or power brokers.
Ezeh made the declaration in a statement on Monday in reaction to the position canvassed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at a stakeholders' town hall meeting held on Sunday at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.
At the meeting, Umahi declared that the South-East had no presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, dismissing the presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, who is seeking the presidency on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
The former Ebonyi governor questioned Obi's political credentials in comparison with other prominent leaders from the South-East, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Minister of Education Sam Egwu, former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Elias Mbam, and himself.
Umahi, who described himself as the "Lion of the South-East", queried: "Who is Peter Obi better than? Is he better than Sam Egwu? Is he better than Elias Mbam? Is he better than the Lion of the South-East, myself? Is he better than Anyim Pius? Who is he better than?"
He further urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and other political stakeholders to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election and the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in the 2027 elections.
The minister also advocated strategic political alignment with the ruling party, arguing that supporting Tinubu for another four years would strengthen the South-East's bargaining position when the presidency eventually rotates to the region.
Umahi equally challenged Ebonyi stakeholders to work towards delivering 1.3 million votes for Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the state should support APC candidates across the board.
Reacting, Ezeh maintained that the endorsements and political positions of influential stakeholders could not override the independent choices of voters, stressing that democratic legitimacy derives from the electorate.
He argued that political leaders and stakeholders could express their preferences and mobilise support for candidates, but the ultimate decision rested with the people through the ballot.
"The future of this nation will not be decided by stakeholders, special interest groups or political elites. It will be decided by the people. Ndi Ebonyi will have the final say," he declared.
The LP candidate said the electorate had become increasingly conscious of its democratic rights and responsibilities, adding that voters would assess political parties and candidates based on their records, policies and contributions to public welfare.
Ezeh also rejected what he described as attempts to intimidate opposition politicians, insisting that political competition should be anchored on issue-based campaigns, constructive engagement and peaceful democratic participation.
"Let me assure oppressors of one thing: we do not expect power to be handed to us on a silver platter, and we have no intention of making it easy for Ndi oppressors either," he said.
He recalled that when some political actors claimed there was no opposition in Ebonyi, his political camp refrained from engaging in verbal confrontations, choosing instead to demonstrate its political relevance through activities.
"When they claimed there was no opposition in Ebonyi, we didn't bother responding. We simply showed workings," he stated.
The Abakaliki-Izzi federal constituency candidate further accused some political actors of prioritising threats, intimidation and fear over presenting verifiable records of achievement and explaining how their policies had improved the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
According to him, political intimidation and violence cannot substitute for credible leadership or persuade an electorate seeking accountability and improved governance.
"Threats and violence are not a winning strategy. They are the refuge of those who have run out of ideas, lost the confidence of the people and can no longer defend their record," he said.
He added that violence and political intimidation should have no place in a democratic contest, noting that leadership should be measured by the ability to persuade citizens through ideas, performance and clearly articulated policy alternatives.
"Anyone can choose violence. Anyone can spread fear. There is nothing courageous, intelligent or visionary about that. Violence and political madness are not signs of strength; they are confessions of weakness," Ezeh added.
Reflecting on the political trajectory of Ebonyi State, the LP candidate claimed that the state lost its developmental direction in 2015 but maintained that the aspirations of its people had remained alive despite what he described as years of difficult experiences.
He said the enduring hope for a better state had sustained opposition political engagement and strengthened the determination of those seeking an alternative political direction.
Ezeh also criticised the APC-led Federal Government under President Tinubu, alleging that Nigerians had endured insecurity, economic hardship, unfulfilled expectations and squandered opportunities.
He insisted that the 2027 elections would provide voters an opportunity to evaluate the performance of political officeholders and determine whether they deserved another mandate.
The LP candidate, however, expressed confidence in the ability of Ebonyi voters to make independent political choices, insisting that no individual or group could dictate their electoral preferences.
"In 2027, Ebonyi people will speak with one voice, and that voice will be a rejection of APC," he declared.
He called for a democratic environment in which political parties and candidates would be judged by their records, policy proposals and commitment to public welfare rather than endorsements by influential individuals or political institutions.
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2027: Only Ebonyi voters will decide candidates' fate, not stakeholders - LP's Ezeh