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Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has adopted consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, effectively ruling out contests across constituencies.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the decision shortly after a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Abakaliki, describing the move as a product of extensive engagement within the party.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, the governor said the meeting was convened to deliberate on key party issues and to chart a unified course toward the next elections.
“As the leader of the party, we convened a meeting of stakeholders and deliberated on issues concerning our party,” Nwifuru said, noting that the outcome reflected a collective agreement among members.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said the consensus arrangement followed wide-ranging consultations initiated by the governor.
He explained that the process began about a week earlier when the governor notified stakeholders of plans to hold joint consultative meetings across the state.
According to Anyim, the consultations culminated in a broader stakeholders’ session where outstanding issues were resolved, leading to agreement on candidates for all elective positions.
“For the first time in the history of the state, stakeholders, electorates and party members were fully involved in selecting those who will fly the party’s flag,” he said.
He described the meeting as productive, adding that participants unanimously endorsed the consensus approach as the best option for party cohesion and governance.
Anyim said the decision implies that there will be no contest for party tickets in any constituency in the state.
“The implication is that there is no constituency that is going to be contested because we have reached consensus on all elective offices,” he said.
He commended the governor’s leadership style, attributing the outcome to his consultative approach and ability to unify party stakeholders.
The former Senate President expressed confidence that the inclusive process would enhance the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
“Because the people are part of the process, the election will be easier for us to win,” he added, assuring that party members across the state would mobilise support for APC candidates.
He also disclosed that the names of the consensus candidates for various positions would be released in a formal statement.
The stakeholders’ meeting, which began at about 4:00 p.m., ended late in the evening after deliberations on party strategy and candidate selection.
2027: Ebonyi APC opts for consensus, says no seat will be contested
