2027: Nwifuru’s kinsman emerges ADC governorship candidate in Ebonyi

Tobias Nnabuike Oriji Selected as ADC Governorship Candidate for Ebonyi

In a significant development for the upcoming 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State, Tobias Nnabuike Oriji has been chosen as the candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His selection was finalized through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary election held on Friday across all 171 wards in the state.

Oriji, hailing from the Oferekpe Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area—the same community as Governor Francis Nwifuru—addressed journalists shortly after his nomination. He emphasized his commitment to reforming governance in Ebonyi State, identifying pressing issues such as electricity supply, unemployment, and youth empowerment as key areas of focus.

“I aim to implement a comprehensive transformation agenda if elected,” Oriji stated. His proposed governance priorities include enhancing youth empowerment, promoting agricultural development, revitalizing the economy, and improving living standards throughout the state.

“The youths are suffering. If elected governor, I will empower them, strengthen agriculture, and ensure a higher quality of life,” he declared.

Oriji, who describes himself as a university graduate, businessman, and agriculturist, highlighted his extensive experience in the private sector, asserting that he possesses the necessary skills for effective state governance.

Regarding his competition against the current administration led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Nwifuru, Oriji expressed confidence in his party’s ability to secure victory. “I have already defeated him politically,” he asserted, concluding, “By the grace of God, we shall occupy the Government House on May 29, 2027.”

He addressed concerns about the financial requirements of the governorship race, asserting his preparedness for the electoral contest. “The nomination form was not free. I paid for it and am fully prepared for the election,” he noted.

On the performance of Governor Nwifuru’s administration, Oriji remarked that leadership styles can vary. He pledged to introduce innovative policies aimed at expediting development in the state.

In a statement regarding the integrity of the primary election, Mr. Bassey Edogi Imoke, Coordinator of Electoral Matters and State Returning Officer for the ADC, confirmed the use of an electronic registration system to ensure a transparent process. The party recorded 12,889 registered delegates electronically, with 6,730 accredited during the voting process.

“The figures are verifiable because they are on our electronic portal. We deliberately adopted a transparent process,” Imoke said.

Dr. Paschal Okafor, Chairman of the ADC Primary Election Committee in Ebonyi State, described the primary as peaceful and orderly, affirming compliance with the Electoral Act.

“The primary election has been peaceful and orderly. Delegates conducted themselves responsibly,” Okafor stated, adding that the party utilized both consensus and direct primary methods according to the number of candidates.

Princess Nneka Nnebu, Secretary of the Electoral Committee and Deputy National Auditor of the ADC, praised participants for their conduct during the primary, noting no reported security issues.

Ebonyi State ADC Chairperson Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor announced that the party had successfully concluded primaries for various legislative positions across the state. She expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects for the 2027 general elections, citing its growing acceptance among voters.

The ADC primary was monitored by security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, as well as members of the press, to ensure a transparent and peaceful electoral process.

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