Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State is confident of securing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming February 3 by-election for the Ebonyi South Senatorial District. Speaking at a rally in Afikpo Local Government Area, Governor Nwifuru, who hails from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, expressed unwavering confidence in the APC’s success.

Governor Nwifuru assured supporters that the electoral task was manageable and conveyed his readiness to match efforts with opponents. Addressing the APC candidate, Prof. Anthony Ani, the governor emphasized the candidate’s ordained victory and highlighted his recent entry into politics. Governor Nwifuru urged the people of Afikpo and the entire district to rally behind Prof. Ani, noting that despite lacking an independent political structure, the candidate has the full backing of the governor.

The seat became vacant following the resignation of David Umahi, who assumed the position of Minister of Works. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared the seat, among others, vacant, prompting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule elections for February 3, 2024.

Governor Nwifuru extended gratitude to stakeholders and citizens, emphasizing the importance of supporting the APC candidate. He encouraged the candidate to remember those who contributed to his success once in the Senate. The governor announced that any Local Government Area (LGA) development center coordinator delivering outstanding results in their area would be duly recognized and rewarded.

State Deputy Governor Patricia Obila, a native of Afikpo, expressed gratitude for Governor Nwifuru’s presence at the rally and pledged the commitment of stakeholders to secure victory for the APC candidate. Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the state APC chairman, assured the governor that voters had been mobilized, ensuring a comprehensive victory for the party.

The Ebonyi South Senatorial District comprises additional councils, namely Edda, Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo. The rally served as a platform to galvanize support for the APC candidate, Prof. Anthony Ani, and underscored Governor Nwifuru’s leadership in steering the party towards a successful outcome in the upcoming by-election. The stakes are high, with political dynamics evolving following the resignation of the former senator, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest in Ebonyi South.