Shettima pledges project completion in Ebonyi as APC seeks 2027 votes

Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, on Monday to participate in a campaign rally for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The event, held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, was part of the party's efforts to secure support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 general elections. Shettima represented the President at the gathering, where he addressed a crowd of party members, government officials, and local dignitaries.

During the rally, the Vice-President assured residents of Ebonyi State and the broader South-East region that ongoing federal projects would be completed if the current administration remains in power. He stated that the Tinubu government has strengthened security in the region, creating a safer environment for residents. Shettima also encouraged voters to support Governor Francis Nwifuru and other APC contenders in the forthcoming elections. Stanley Nkwocha, the President's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications within the Vice President's office, revealed the trip, characterizing it as a vital part of the campaign's operations in the region widely known as the 'Salt of the Nation.'

Background

Governor Francis Nwifuru, who received the Vice-President, pledged the support of Ebonyi voters for President Tinubu’s re-election. Nwifuru argued that the South-East had suffered from infrastructure deficits under previous administrations but claimed that the current federal government had improved the situation through various projects. He highlighted that many of these initiatives are being supervised by Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works. Nwifuru further called upon the Federal Government to integrate the southern section of Ebonyi State into the national power network to boost electricity availability and foster industrial growth. Furthermore, he sought authorization to finish the planned rail line that would connect Ebonyi with Aba in Abia State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

Senator Umahi, who also spoke at the rally, described Ebonyi State as an APC stronghold and urged residents to support the President’s second-term ambition. He highlighted various federal infrastructure initiatives within the state, such as the Afikpo-Cross River Ndibe Bridge, the upgrade of the Abakaliki-Afikpo route, and the planned superhighway connecting Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and Abuja. According to a statement issued by the Vice-President’s office, the Federal Government had approved 248 billion naira for additional road projects in Ebonyi. These projects comprise the widening of the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Road, the Onueke–Ezza corridor, and upgrades to the Okposi–Amasiri Road. The report indicated that construction was underway on the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Abuja Superhighway, designed to act as a primary transportation route that would open up new markets for agricultural workers, merchants, and enterprises throughout the South-East and North-Central zones.

Governor Nwifuru also outlined achievements of his administration over the past three and a half years, focusing on the health and education sectors. He mentioned that his administration had supplied medical devices and renewed primary and secondary health centers in all 13 local government areas of the state. In the education sector, he reported the recruitment of teachers for primary and secondary schools. He additionally revealed that 314 recipients of state-funded scholarships had completed master's degrees at foreign institutions and had begun doctoral studies in the United Kingdom. The Governor also expressed confidence in the Abakaliki cement factory initiative, pointing out that construction had started and that finishing the project would generate jobs for youth.

Why it matters

The campaign rally underscores the political significance of Ebonyi State in the 2027 general elections. As an APC stronghold, the state’s support is crucial for the ruling party’s re-election bid. The emphasis on infrastructure development, including road dualisation and the superhighway project, highlights the economic stakes involved, particularly for agricultural and commercial activities in the region. The approval of 248 billion naira for road projects signals a significant federal investment in the state’s connectivity. Furthermore, the focus on security improvements and the completion of pending projects addresses key concerns of the local population. The involvement of high-profile figures such as the Vice-President, the Governor, and the Minister of Works demonstrates the party’s commitment to mobilising support in the South-East. The rally also serves as a platform to showcase the administration’s achievements in healthcare and education, aiming to consolidate voter confidence ahead of the polls.