The race for the Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections has intensified, with supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Felix Igboke accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using “politics of fear” to discredit their candidate over his political defection.
Key Highlights
- IGBOKEIST accuses APC of diverting attention from development issues.
- Supporters defend Felix Igboke’s return to the PDP as “strategic and necessary.”
- Group says party defections are common in Nigerian politics.
- Urges voters to judge candidates by performance, not political affiliation.
- Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo constituency expected to witness a fierce 2027 contest.
The support group, IGBOKEIST, said the real debate should centre on grassroots development, economic empowerment and quality representation rather than repeated allegations about Igboke’s movement between political parties.
Igboke, a former Ebonyi State Commissioner, has faced criticism from political opponents who claim he cannot be trusted because he has changed political parties.
However, in a statement issued in Abakaliki and signed by the group’s coordinator, Mr. Echofe Williams Echefulachi, the organisation described Igboke’s return to the PDP as a deliberate decision taken after concluding that meaningful development could not be achieved under the APC.
“Our principal realised that nothing meaningful could be achieved under the APC, so he returned to his political home, the PDP,” the statement said.
The group argued that political realignment has become a common feature of Nigeria’s democracy and should not be used to discredit aspirants.
According to the statement, several prominent politicians, including the current federal lawmaker representing the constituency, have also changed political parties.
“Mention anyone in today’s politics who has never moved from one political party to another. The attacks simply show the fear of Igboke’s growing popularity,” the group stated.
IGBOKEIST maintained that voters are increasingly interested in competence, accessibility and tangible results rather than party platforms.
The organisation said an Igboke-led representation would prioritise youth and women empowerment, attract federal projects, improve healthcare and education, rehabilitate roads and deliver meaningful grassroots development.
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It also urged political stakeholders to abandon personal attacks and focus on issues that directly affect the people.
“Political realignment is part of Nigeria’s democratic process. Voters should assess candidates based on their track record, accessibility and ability to deliver dividends of democracy, not sponsored media attacks,” the statement added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Igboke and called on residents of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency to rally behind his ambition, insisting that the 2027 contest would be one of the most closely watched political battles in Ebonyi State.
