2027: Lose your LGA to opposition, get sacked – Nwifuru tells chairmen

Gov. Francis Nwufuru of Ebonyi has threatened to sack any council chairman that failed to win his area for the ruling-All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Nwifuru issued the threat on Tuesday in Abakiliki, when he inaugurated the new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

He said: “Any chairman who fails to win his council will be removed from office and replaced with a councillor.

“I want this information to be on the headlines of newspapers because, as politicians, we would not speak in secret.

“The chairmen know we would win in the state and if they choose to sleep and allow others take their areas, they would be removed.”

He urged the chairmen not to allow the opposition to thrive in their areas because “charity begins from home”.

He further charged them to do all in their powers to deliver APC 100 per cent in 2027.

He also admonished the vice chairmen to work in harmony with their chairmen and avoid any acts of rivalry.

He urged them to liken their positions to “spare tyres inside the car boot”.
The governor told the vice chairmen to remember that “it’s only when the tyre refuses to function or collapses irreversibly that they can function.

“You should always be available to the chairmen and ask them of your councils’ daily activities.

“Do not listen to gossip and ill advice from your friends against your chairmen because that will destroy your relationship with them,” he said.

Nwifuru said that his deputy, for instance, was a former council chairman and nobody knew she will be a deputy governor today.
“She performed in ways people saw her and believe she could do the work of a deputy governor.

“My deputy is doing the work perfectly and presently enjoying the position,” the governor said.

The re-elected Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Chief Timothy Nwachi, who responded on behalf of others, thanked the governor and party stakeholders for giving them the opportunity to serve the people.

“We pledge to justify the confidence reposed in us and especially ensure that APC records landslide in 2027,” Nwachi said.

It was reported that the new chairmen included Osborne Umahi, the son of the Works Minister David Umahi.

He is the Chairman of Ohaozara LGA, while Mr Chidi Nwode, the younger brother to Gov. Nwifuru’s wife, is the Ikwo LGA chairman.