The Ebonyi State Local Government Area and councillorship elections have commenced across the state, with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru commending voters and other stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

The election is taking place across the state’s 13 Local Government Areas and 171 wards, with voters turning out to elect chairmen and councillors for their respective councils.

Governor Nwifuru, after casting his ballot, urged voters to remain peaceful and adhere to the guidelines governing the election.

He also encouraged residents to exercise their civic responsibility without intimidation, violence or any action capable of disrupting the electoral process.

The governor’s appeal comes against the backdrop of heightened security arrangements across Ebonyi ahead of the council polls.

Security Operatives Deployed Across Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command had earlier announced the deployment of personnel to polling units and strategic locations across all 13 LGAs to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders.

The command said it was working with other security agencies to ensure adequate coverage before, during and after the election.

Movement across the state was also restricted from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on election day as part of measures to ensure a peaceful exercise.

Accredited election officials, journalists, observers, healthcare workers, emergency responders and other authorised personnel were exempted from the restriction.

The police warned politicians, candidates and their supporters against inflammatory statements, violence and other actions capable of undermining the election.

Political Parties Battle for Control

The election has attracted significant political attention in Ebonyi, particularly as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seeks to consolidate its grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APC had commenced its campaign ahead of the poll, urging supporters to focus on peaceful mobilisation and encouraging eligible voters to participate in the process.

One of the closely watched contests is in Ohaozara Local Government Area, where Osbourne Umahi, son of Minister of Works David Umahi, is contesting the chairmanship position on the APC platform.

PDP Boycotts Election

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has boycotted the election and called for the suspension of the exercise.

The opposition party alleged that the process was designed to favour the ruling APC, a claim that adds a political dimension to the ongoing election.

Despite the controversy, voting has proceeded across the state, with security agencies maintaining their presence at polling locations.

Nwifuru Urges Voters to Maintain Peace

Governor Nwifuru’s call for peaceful voting comes as attention remains focused on the conduct of the election and the credibility of the results.

The governor has urged voters to respect the electoral process and avoid any behaviour that could lead to violence.

As voting continues, attention will now shift to voter turnout, the conduct of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), security arrangements and the eventual results from the 13 local government areas.

The outcome of the election is expected to have implications for grassroots political control in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more