Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, the Labour Party candidate for Abakaliki-Izzi Federal Constituency, has maintained that the voting public, rather than influential power brokers or political stakeholders, will singularly shape the political trajectory of Ebonyi State and the fortunes of contenders in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Ezeh issued this position in a Monday statement responding to remarks made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a regional stakeholders' assembly held on Sunday at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki.
During the gathering, Umahi asserted that the South-East zone lacked a definitive presidential contender for 2027, specifically downplaying the presidential aspirations of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, who is pursuing the presidency under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Umahi challenged Obi's political stature relative to other prominent figures from the zone, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Minister of Education Sam Egwu, former Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission chairman Elias Mbam, and himself, whom he styled as the "Lion of the South-East". Furthermore, the minister urged religious authorities, traditional rulers, and political actors to rally behind President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, arguing that strategic alignment with the ruling party would enhance the South-East's negotiating leverage for the presidency in the future, while demanding 1.3 million votes for Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru.
How did the Labour Party candidate respond to these remarks?
In his counter-statement, Ezeh argued that endorsements from political elites cannot supplant the sovereign choices of citizens, emphasizing that democratic legitimacy originates strictly from the electorate. While acknowledging that political actors retain the right to express preferences and campaign for candidates, he insisted that the definitive choice rests with the populace at the polls.
"The future of this nation will not be decided by stakeholders, special interest groups or political elites. It will be decided by the people. Ndi Ebonyi will have the final say," Ezeh stated, highlighting that voters are increasingly aware of their civic duties and will evaluate political platforms based on their policy track records and contributions to societal welfare.
What are his views on political intimidation and governance?
Rejecting attempts to silence opposition voices, the Abakaliki-Izzi hopeful stressed that political contestation must rely on constructive engagement, peaceful participation, and issue-oriented campaigns rather than fear or coercion. He recounted how his political camp previously chose practical action over verbal altercations when rivals claimed the opposition was nonexistent in the state.
Ezeh condemned threats and violence as the refuge of actors who have exhausted progressive ideas, lost public trust, and can no longer defend their governance records. Reflecting on the political history of Ebonyi since 2015, he argued that the state drifted from its developmental path but maintained that the populace's aspirations for genuine progress remain resilient.
He also criticized the federal administration under President Tinubu over prevailing economic hardships, insecurity, and unmet expectations, expressing absolute confidence that Ebonyi citizens will independently utilize the 2027 ballot to assess officeholders and reject the ruling party.