By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Chairman of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), Mr. Enyi Patrick, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible party primaries election in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.

Mr. Enyi gave the commendation while monitoring the APC chairmanship primary at Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area, headquarters, describing the exercise as transparent and in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

According to him, the conduct of the APC primary serves as a benchmark for other political parties in the state ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.

“It was a very wonderful outing. You have seen the fairness and ability of the APC as a party to follow its guidelines and constitution during its primary election. This is my first point of call to observe an APC local government primary, and they have introduced a candidate in a very transparent manner,” he said.

The EBSIEC chairman added that the peaceful and orderly conduct of the exercise gives hope that Ebonyians will be proud of whoever emerges as chairman at the end of the electoral process.

He further advised opposition political parties in the state to rise to their responsibilities by conducting credible primaries and presenting candidates for the election.

“When you are a political party registered by INEC, you have the right to contest elections. You should follow your guidelines and introduce your flag bearers. Our responsibility as an electoral umpire is to conduct elections,” Enyi stated.

He also described the turnout of party stakeholders and members as impressive, noting that it reflected confidence in the internal democratic process of the APC.

Reacting, the winner of the APC chairmanship primary in Izzi Local Government Area, Mrs. Helen Aduga, described the exercise as free, fair, and hitch-free. She assured stakeholders and residents of Izzi LGA of an inclusive administration if elected.

Mrs. Aduga expressed gratitude to the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, and his wife, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, for providing an enabling environment that ensured the success of the primaries.

Similarly, the APC chairmanship candidate for Ebonyi Local Government Area, Mr. Chibueze Adigwe, thanked God for a peaceful primary and appreciated the party for finding him worthy to fly its flag.

He pledged to extend the policies and programmes of Governor Nwifuru to the grassroots, with emphasis on “stomach infrastructure,” youth empowerment, and women inclusion.

Stakeholders, including the Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Barrister Steven Nwankpa, the Chairman APC Campaign Coordinator for Mbeke Ward, Mr. Linus Nwogbaga, and the Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo Ebonyi State Chapter, Barr. Nwifo Benjamin, commended EBSIEC for conducting a credible and hitch-free exercise.

They also applauded the state government for providing a conducive environment and prayed for wisdom for the successful candidates to deliver on the people’s needs as captured in the governor’s manifesto.