By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Umuekumenyi Leadership Council Union on Thursday said that Ebonyi State needs “a new beginning with fresh air of governance,” as the group inaugurated its Local Government and Ward Delegate Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing members during the inauguration in Abakaliki, the spokesman of the organization, Barrister Emmanuel Nwobo said the delegates were being called to serve their communities by mobilising residents for democratic participation and good governance.

“Today, you are called to service – service to your motherland, service to rescue Ebonyi State and service to consolidate good governance and democracy,” he said.

He recalled that the council had earlier adopted its preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election, saying the decision reflected the aspiration of members to chart a new political course for the state.

“Our resolve to participate in the 2027 elections and bring about change in Ebonyi State cannot be disrupted. It was the unanimous decision of this council that in 2027 we will ensure that Ebonyi is given a new beginning with fresh air of governance where the lives and development of our people will truly matter,” Nwobo stated.

The union's spokesman alleged that the state had witnessed economic and infrastructural decline in recent years, insisting that the council was determined to mobilise citizens peacefully towards democratic change.

He urged the newly inaugurated delegates to remain committed despite possible intimidation.

“Nothing good comes easy, especially when people seek genuine change. You may be mocked, persecuted or intimidated, but remain focused and resilient. Take the message of hope and democratic change to every ward and every community,” he added.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the union, Mr. Christopher Ngwuta (G&G), charged the delegates drawn from the eight local government areas of the Umuekumenyi bloc to return to their various communities and strengthen the grassroots structure of the organisation.

“No human being can be a barrier to the interest of the masses and the entire state. No devil and no individual can thwart the will of the people. Go back to your communities and deliver the message from ward to ward, zone to zone and local government to local government,” Ngwuta said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated delegates, Dr. Friday Mgbada of Izzi Local Government Area and Mr. Ilodibe Nwele of Ikwo Local Government Area pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“We are ready to work from the grassroots. We did it before and we are confident that the votes of the people will count in 2027. We are committed to delivering our assignment from the ward level to the state level,” they said.

In his goodwill message, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Dr. Sunday Andrew Opoke, described the inaugu’ation as an important step in strengthening grassroots democracy.

“The task before you is enormous. Be committed to your mandate and remain close to the people. Democracy succeeds when citizens are acti’ely involved in the elec’oral process and leadership remains accountable to the people,” Opoke said.

Also speaking, the PDP Woman Leader in Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, urged the delegates to remain steadfast and ensure that women and youths were fully involved in the mobilisation process.

“This is a movement that requires commitment, courage and unity. I encourage every delegate to work peacefully and mobilise every eligible voter. Women have a critical role to play in determining the future of Ebonyi State,” she said.

Former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Nwankwo, and Jennifer Ogochukwu Ugbala also commended the initiative, describing the delegates as ambassadors of democratic participation.

They maintained that the 2027 general election should be peaceful and issue-driven, urging the delegates to remain law-abiding while carrying out their responsibilities.

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