A cross section of stakeholders of Ishielu Local government Area of Ebonyi State, have advocated that the 2026 chairmanship seat should be zoned to the Ezzagu community for equity, justice and fairness.
The agitation is sequel to the planned solidarity rally on Monday, October 26, 2025 by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which included the re-election of the incumbent Chairman, Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu.
In a statement issued by the APC Chairman of the Council, Ikechukwu Abba, said the one -million-man march would be in support of the re-election of the President Bola Tinubu; Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Chairman of the council, Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu.
According to the statement, the rally will take-off at Ezillo Junction by 7am prompt.
However, in a swift reaction, a group under the auspices of the Concerned Stakeholders of Ishielu Local Government Area, noted that they were shocked and disappointed for the inclusion of the re-election of the incumbent council boss in the planned rally.
A leader of the group, Felx Ukpabi, advocated that it was the turn of Ezzagu zone to produce the next council chairman in August 2026.
He emphasized that they strongly support any rally targeted for the re-election of President Tinubu and Gov. Nwifuru, while Ezzagu zone should produce the next chairman.
“As everyone knows, it’s the turn of Ezzagu zone to produce the next chairman of Ishielu Local Goveenment Area.
“This is not just a matter of zoning, but a principle of fairness and equity that has guided our local government for years.
“We strongly object to the endorsement of Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu, as it undermines the rotational arrangement and disregards the aspirations of Ezzagu zone.
“We urge all stakeholders to reject this imposition and demand that the APC leadership respects the zoning arrangement.
“It’s time for Ezzagu zone to take the reins, and we should support a candidate from that zone.
“We support the government and re-election of our God given President Bola Tinubu and our dear Governor Francis Nwifuru and will deliver 100 percent votes for the APC in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
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Meanwhile, as interested contenders intensify consultations for the council position, a veteran journalist and former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ebonyi State, Benjamin Nworie has joined the ostle for the chairmanship position.
Nworie, who as a former member of the Governing Board of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Cooperation (EBBC) said his aspiration would address the marginalization of Ezzagu zone and equally consolidate on the achievements of Gov. Nwifuru in the council area.
“My aspiration will address the marginalization and injustice to Ezzagu zone for over two decades.
“If not for the intervention of Governor Francis Nwifuru in the construction of Ezillo-Ezzagu Road, otherwise, there’s no access route to the populated Ezzagu community.
“It is worrisome that despite being the voting strength of Ishielu Local government, Ezzagu lacks all basic social amenities like road, electricity, water, and hospital.
“With experience and exposure, I will ensure that I consolidate the achievements of Governor Francis Nwifuru in Ishielu Council area if elected,” Nworie assured.
