COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EBONYI STATE LEADERS AND STAKEHOLDERS’ POLITICAL SUMMIT HELD ON TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2026, AT THE ECUMENICAL CENTRE, ABAKALIKI

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EBONYI STATE LEADERS AND STAKEHOLDERS’ POLITICAL SUMMIT HELD ON TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2026, AT THE ECUMENICAL CENTRE, ABAKALIKI

Theme: “Orderly and Peaceful Political Transition in Ebonyi State: The Way Forward”

Preamble

For the first time in the thirty-year history of Ebonyi State, political leaders and major stakeholders drawn from different political parties, senatorial zones, local government areas and sectors of public life convened a common, non-partisan forum to deliberate on the future of the State and the imperative of an orderly, peaceful and inclusive political transition. The summit was held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.

Among the key participants in the forum were His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Dr Sam Ominyi Egwu, CON, the first Executive Governor of Ebonyi State. His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Prince Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, attended as Special Guest of Honour. Other distinguished guests of honour included His Excellency, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; His Excellency, Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi, CON, former Governor of Ebonyi State; and His Excellency, Senator David Nweze Umahi, CON, former Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works.

Following extensive deliberations and the presentation of messages and perspectives from the three senatorial zones and the thirteen local government areas of the State, the summit considered the importance of preserving peace, strengthening democratic institutions, sustaining development and ensuring a fair and orderly political succession.

The summit accordingly adopted the following resolutions:

1. Commitment to Peace, Unity and Political Stability

The summit reaffirmed that peace, unity and political stability are indispensable to the continued development of Ebonyi State. It recognised the responsibility of political leaders, public office holders, traditional institutions, civil society, community leaders and citizens to protect the State’s cohesion, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic identity or other differences. Participants called on all political actors and their supporters to conduct political activities with restraint, mutual respect and a commitment to peaceful engagement. They further urged stakeholders to reject inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation, political violence and any conduct capable of undermining public order.

2. Orderly Political Transition and Democratic Continuity

The summit acknowledged the peaceful transfer of political leadership among the three senatorial zones since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999. It noted that the administrations of successive governors—Senator Sam Ominyi Egwu of Ebonyi North, Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi of Ebonyi Central and Senator David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi South—each served two four-year terms.

The summit recognised that continuity, mutual accommodation and respect for established political understandings have contributed to the State’s stability. It therefore encouraged political leaders and stakeholders to sustain a culture of dialogue, fairness and responsible political engagement in addressing questions relating to succession and the future leadership of the State.

3. Equity, Zoning and Fair Political Representation

The summit acknowledged the long-standing practice of senatorial rotation in the distribution of the governorship of Ebonyi State and the role this arrangement has played in promoting a sense of inclusion among the three senatorial zones. In the interest of equity, fairness, mutual trust and the preservation of peaceful coexistence, the summit expressed support for the continuation of the established zoning understanding in the consideration of the 2027 governorship succession. Accordingly, the summit resolved that Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone should be allowed to complete the governorship in the 2027 electoral cycle, in keeping with the rotation principle recognised by the participants and the objective of equitable political inclusion.

The summit further resolved that, after the Ebonyi North slot and by 2031, the position of Governor shall move to Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone and remain there for eight years before moving to Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone. After eight years of the governorship in Ebonyi Central Zone from 2031, it shall move to Ebonyi South Zone for another eight years. Nothing should be done to truncate or alter this process. The summit accordingly supports and affirms the rotation of the governorship position among the three senatorial districts as follows: Ebonyi North (2023–2031); Ebonyi Central (2031–2039); Ebonyi South (2039–2047). At the same time, the equitable distribution of amenities among the geopolitical zones must be sustained in the interest of equity, fairness, justice and peaceful coexistence.

4. Governance, Development and the People’s Charter of Needs

The summit acknowledged the importance of people-centred governance and commended the development initiatives of the present administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, directed at improving the welfare and living conditions of the people of Ebonyi State. In particular, participants recognised the stated objectives of the People’s Charter of Needs, including infrastructure and rural development, education, human capital development, healthcare and social welfare, agriculture and food security, women’s empowerment and youth development.

5. Role of Political Leaders and Stakeholders

The summit acknowledged the contributions of past and present political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, traders, market associations, teachers, civil servants, students, professionals, community organisations and other groups represented at the gathering, and called on these stakeholders to continue providing responsible leadership, promoting dialogue across political divides and discouraging actions that could create unnecessary tension during the transition period.

6. Conduct of the 2027 General Elections

The summit called on political parties, aspirants, supporters, security agencies, electoral authorities and the media to contribute to a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process. Political parties and aspirants were urged to pursue their ambitions through lawful and democratic means, respect the rights of fellow citizens, avoid hate speech and misinformation, and accept the legitimate role of relevant institutions in the conduct and resolution of electoral matters.

7. Conclusion

The summit expressed appreciation to the chairman, special guest of honour, distinguished guests of honour, participating leaders, representatives of the thirteen local government areas, political parties, community organisations and all other stakeholders whose contributions enriched the deliberations.

The summit reaffirmed the collective aspiration for an Ebonyi State that remains peaceful, united, inclusive and development-oriented. It recognised the enduring significance of the State’s identity as the “Salt of the Nation” and called on present and future generations to uphold the ideals of responsible leadership, justice, fairness, service and collective progress.

The participants expressed the hope that the spirit of consultation and common purpose demonstrated at the summit would endure beyond the 2027 electoral cycle and provide a foundation for stronger political cooperation in the years ahead.

The summit accordingly urged all leaders and citizens to translate the resolutions adopted into practical commitments that safeguard peace, deepen democratic culture and advance the welfare of the people of Ebonyi State.

Issued at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

On behalf of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders’ Political Summit.