All six incumbent members of the House of Representatives from Ebonyi State have emphatically secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets to contest the 2027 general elections, emerging victorious from the party’s primaries held across the state’s federal constituencies on Saturday. This significant outcome largely stems from a well-orchestrated consensus arrangement championed by the state’s helmsman, Governor Francis Nwifuru, aiming to consolidate the party’s strength and present experienced hands for the upcoming electoral cycle.
The strategic consensus, a familiar political maneuvering in the Nigerian political landscape designed to foster party unity and minimize internal rifts, saw the governor playing a pivotal role in endorsing the re-election bids of the current federal lawmakers. This move is widely seen as a calculated effort to leverage the experience and ranking status of the incumbents, crucial assets for attracting federal presence and development to Ebonyi State in the National Assembly.
However, the Afikpo and Edda Federal Constituency presented a notable exception to this sweeping consensus. Despite incumbent Iduma Igariwey being designated as the consensus aspirant, a former Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama, proceeded to contest in the primary election. This particular contest underscored an element of internal democratic jostling even within a consensus-driven framework, though Igariwey ultimately emerged successful.
Speaking on Sunday, Kennedy Ekong, who chairs the APC National Electoral Committee for the House of Representatives Primaries, affirmed the integrity of the process. He described the primaries as “free and fair” and commended party faithful for ensuring a seamless exercise across the various constituencies. Ekong then officially announced the confirmed winners:
* **Emmanuel Uguru** emerged victorious for the Abakaliki and Izzi Federal Constituency.
* **Nwachukwu Eze** secured the ticket for the Ohaukwu and Ebonyi Federal Constituency.
* **Chief Chinedu Ogah** won the primary for the Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency.
* **Mr. Joseph Nwobasi** was declared winner for the Ezza North and Ishielu Federal Constituency.
* **Chief Kama Nkemkanma** triumphed in the Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo (OHANIVO) Federal Constituency.
* **Chief Igariwey Iduma** successfully clinched the primary for the Afikpo and Edda Federal Constituency.
Reacting to his victory, Mr. Kama Nkemkanma, representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, expressed profound gratitude to the party faithful and pledged to deliver even greater “democracy dividends” to his constituents. He conveyed his delight at the opportunity to seek a second term and specifically acknowledged Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unwavering support throughout the entire process. Mr. Kama emphasized the strategic importance of retaining seasoned legislators in the National Assembly, stating, “Retaining experienced lawmakers is crucial to securing greater influence and benefits for the constituency. You cannot buy ranking membership in the market, and the governor, who was a former parliamentarian, understands the importance of this fact.” This highlights a significant aspect of Nigerian federal politics, where legislative experience often translates into tangible benefits for constituencies.
Similarly, Mr. Iduma Igariwey, the representative for Afikpo and Edda Federal Constituency, offered his thanks to God and his constituents for his victory. He used the opportunity to unequivocally debunk earlier insinuations that he had been disqualified by the party’s screening committee, attributing such claims to “mischief makers” who masterminded a “failed campaign to smear him.” Mr. Igariwey asserted that his victory unequivocally demonstrated his firm position for re-election to the esteemed Green Chamber. “I am seeking a fourth term in the National Assembly, and my constituents should expect a stronger and more robust representation when I am eventually re-elected,” he promised, signifying a commitment to continuity and enhanced legislative engagement.
These primary victories set the stage for the APC’s robust campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ebonyi State, underscoring Governor Nwifuru’s strategic foresight and the party’s determination to maintain its political dominance in the state.
Originally sourced from Premium Times. This article has been rewritten for our readers.
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