The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has officially set January 25, 2026, as the date for its primary elections, determining candidates for the upcoming local government chairmanship and councilorship polls. This crucial announcement, made by the state chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, signals the formal commencement of electoral activities within the ruling party for grassroots governance in the southeastern state. The decision emerged from a State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Abakaliki, where key strategies for the party’s continued dominance were discussed.
A significant directive issued alongside the primary election date mandates all political appointees intending to contest the local government elections to resign from their current positions by December 20, 2025. This 30-day window ahead of the primaries aligns with an earlier pronouncement from Governor Francis Nwifuru, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field and preventing any perceived conflict of interest for aspirants. Non-compliance with this deadline will automatically disqualify any potential candidate, a move aimed at fostering transparency and dedication to public service.
Chief Emegha clarified that while the primary elections themselves are slated for January 25, the internal party processes, including screening and other preparatory activities, will commence earlier in the same month. He further assured party members and the public that all stages of the electoral process would be guided by principles of transparency and fairness, aiming to uphold the integrity of the party’s internal democracy. This commitment is vital for maintaining cohesion and trust among the diverse factions within the APC ahead of the keenly contested local government polls.
In a related development, the party chairman announced that a comprehensive membership revalidation exercise is imminent, awaiting the receipt of the necessary registration code. This process is crucial for updating the party’s membership database, ensuring accuracy, and strengthening its grassroots mobilization efforts. Additionally, Emegha revealed plans for the immediate construction of a new, ultra-modern APC secretariat in Ebonyi State, projecting its completion within six months. He boasted that the new complex would surpass the size of the national secretariat, symbolizing the party’s robust presence and ambitious future in the state.
Emegha emphatically declared the APC’s absolute political control over Ebonyi State, asserting that the party now commands every elective office from the grassroots to the national level. He cited impressive figures to support this claim: all 171 ward councillors, 13 local government chairmen, 24 members of the State House of Assembly, six National Assembly members, and all three senators representing Ebonyi State are currently members of the ruling party. This level of dominance is a rare feat in Nigerian politics, reflecting a significant shift in the state’s political landscape over recent years.
The chairman attributed this overwhelming control partly to a series of high-profile defections from opposition parties, which have bolstered the APC’s ranks. He specifically highlighted the recent move by Mr. Iduma Igariwey, the federal lawmaker representing Afikpo North/South and Edda federal constituency, who has officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Igariwey’s registration in his Itim 001 Ward in Afikpo was confirmed, further solidifying the APC’s hold on federal representation from the state.
The complete political sweep by the APC in Ebonyi State carries significant implications for governance, opposition politics, and democratic checks and balances within the state. While proponents argue it fosters unity and facilitates policy implementation, critics often raise concerns about the potential for monolithic power to stifle dissent and reduce accountability. This situation positions Ebonyi as a unique case study in Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, where one party has effectively consolidated all avenues of political power.
As the party prepares for the local government elections, the emphasis on transparency and adherence to internal party rules becomes paramount. The primaries on January 25, 2026, will be a critical test of the APC’s ability to manage internal competition and present a united front to the electorate. The outcomes will not only determine the next set of local leaders but also serve as an indicator of the party’s strength and organizational capacity ahead of future statewide elections.
Governor Nwifuru’s administration, largely spearheaded by the directives from the APC leadership, aims to ensure that the selection of candidates for local government positions aligns with the broader vision for grassroots development and effective service delivery. The party’s strategy appears to focus on consolidating its gains, expanding its infrastructure, and meticulously preparing for electoral contests to maintain its stronghold, portraying itself as the sole viable political force in Ebonyi.
With the defection of the last remaining opposition federal lawmaker, the political landscape in Ebonyi State is virtually devoid of significant opposition representation. This scenario poses a challenge for the vibrancy of democratic discourse and the role of alternative voices in governance. The APC’s continued efforts to absorb opposition members suggest a long-term strategy to ensure uncontested political space, a development that will likely draw scrutiny from political observers nationwide.
