Governor Nwifuru Denies Claims Tinubu Handed Ebonyi to Wike Ahead of 2027 Polls
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu transferred political control of the state to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in preparation for the 2027 elections.
The governor said that certain allies of Wike within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been circulating the rumor across Ebonyi.
Nwifuru emphasized that Ebonyi would not be surrendered to any political interest before the next governorship election.
He stated, “I heard some people are saying that President Tinubu has given Ebonyi state to PDP for the 2027 governorship election, and their leader Nyesom Wike has also said that the president has given Ebonyi to him. We say to them, ‘eyaah’. Ebonyi is not for sale. We are not afraid.”
“Wike’s boys in the PDP are going around claiming that Wike assured them that he has given Ebonyi state to them. We say to them ‘eeyaah!’.”
The term “Eeyah” is a Nigerian Pidgin expression roughly meaning “what a pity.”
Nwifuru also cautioned political opponents against what he described as overreach, warning, “Don’t push us.”
His remarks came amid growing political realignments in the South‑East and speculation about the influence of major political actors ahead of the 2027 general election.
As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nwifuru used the rally to reaffirm his support for Tinubu and mobilise backing for the ruling party in Ebonyi.
The event was attended by party supporters, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, who expressed support for the governor and the President.
Nwifuru also highlighted ongoing development projects in Ebonyi State and Federal Government initiatives affecting the South‑East.
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