By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has commended the peaceful conduct of the local government elections across the 13 local government areas and 171 wards of the state.
Nwifuru spoke after casting his vote at his polling unit in Opherekpe, where he expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had what it takes to win all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the state.
The governor described elections as a democratic process rather than a conflict, urging voters to freely choose candidates of their choice.
“The process is ongoing. It is not a war; it is an election. That is why I believe we don’t need to stress ourselves over voting for a candidate of our choice to become our leader.
“There is nothing special about it other than allowing the people to select their candidates. Our party did that, and I believe other political parties also did the same,” he said.
Nwifuru, who is the leader of the APC in Ebonyi, said although he had no personal political opponent, opposition parties were necessary to provide healthy competition and draw attention to areas where the government could improve.
“When you have opponents, it is not only about competition. They can also show you things you don’t know. Sometimes, you need opponents because they can expose your shortcomings and areas where you need to improve.
“So, having an opponent is also good,” he said.
On the expected outcome of the local government election, the governor said he remained committed to the APC and its candidates, expressing hope that the party would emerge victorious.
“Whether or not our party will win the election, my wish is for our party to win. I am a party man, and I believe in my party and all its candidates.
“I believe they have what it takes to occupy the positions they are contesting for,” Nwifuru said.
On reports that some political parties were endorsing him as a sole candidate, the governor said he was not interested in endorsements from political parties, stressing that his priority was securing the support of the people of Ebonyi State.
“There is no need to ask whether I am making such a move. I don’t want political parties to endorse me. What I want is for the people of Ebonyi to endorse me.
“That has always been my position. I have been appealing to the people to endorse me, not political parties,” he stated.
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