Ibii/Ozizza Communities Seek Inclusion in Afikpo 2026 Chairmanship Race
Nkechinyere Ewa
Leaders of Ibii and Ozizza communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have formally demanded that the chairmanship position in the 2026 local government elections be zoned to their bloc.
The communities, known collectively as the Ibii/Ozizza bloc, said they have never produced a chairman since the establishment of the local government, unlike other communities that have occupied the seat more than once.
In a letter addressed to and endorsed by prominent leaders including Nwachi Fredrick Otu, Nnali Francis, Eze Joshua, Godwin Obiahu, Alum Festus, Emmanuel Ezeali, Otu Clement and Elechi Egwu, the bloc appealed to the governor to consider them for the chairmanship in this year’s election and subsequent rotations.
The signatories described their exclusion from the position as unjust and disheartening.
“It is heartbreaking that Ibii/Ozizza bloc has not, even for one day, produced a Local Government Chairman, while several other communities have had multiple turns,” the letter read.
They maintained that the 2026 poll offers an opportunity to correct what they termed a long-standing imbalance and to end the recurring refrain of “not yet your time” directed at their communities.
The leaders also called on influential stakeholders across the state, including former governor and Minister of Works, , to lend their support to what they described as a legitimate and equitable demand.
According to them, allowing the Ibii/Ozizza bloc to produce the next Afikpo Local Government chairman would foster unity, fairness and a stronger sense of belonging among the constituent communities.
They further expressed dissatisfaction that they were not consulted before decisions were reportedly taken regarding which community should produce the chairmanship candidate for the upcoming election. The leaders described the practice as contrary to the principles of inclusiveness and equity observed in other local government areas of the state.
They urged Governor Nwifuru to intervene and ensure that justice, peace and balanced representation prevail in Afikpo Local Government Area.
