No One Has Conceded Ebonyi, South-East To Anyone, Says APC Chairman Yilwatda

By Wilson Ogbonnaya Okereke, Abakaliki

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conceded the South-East to any opposition party, insisting that no such decision has ever been made. Speaking at the APC Mega Rally held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, on Monday, Professor Yilwatda commended President Tinubu for addressing the region's long-standing infrastructure deficit through ongoing federal road projects.

He praised the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for driving the administration's infrastructure agenda across the South-East, noting that major roads linking Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, Port Harcourt, Imo and Anambra are receiving unprecedented attention. "For the first time, an Ebonyi son has been entrusted with rebuilding Nigeria's road infrastructure, and the impact of President Tinubu's administration is visible across the South-East," Yilwatda said. He acknowledged the poor state of federal roads inherited by the current administration, adding that the intervention demonstrates the President's commitment to the region. The APC National Chairman also expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout at the rally, describing it as evidence of the party's growing popularity in Ebonyi State. "I have seen the overwhelming support from the airport to the roads and inside the stadium. I will report to Mr. President that Ebonyi is firmly APC," he stated. Yilwatda further lauded Governor Francis Nwifuru for infrastructure development, investments in education and his efforts in uniting political stakeholders under the APC. He urged Nigerians to disregard rumours that President Tinubu had conceded Ebonyi State to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing such reports as false and unfounded. Governor Francis Nwifuru, in his remarks, said President Tinubu has demonstrated genuine commitment to the South-East through impactful projects and appointments. "The President has shown immense love for Ebonyi people and the Igbo nation. We are here not only to endorse him for a second term but to declare that Ebonyi has no other presidential candidate than Bola Ahmed Tinubu," the governor said. Nwifuru also dismissed reports alleging that the President had handed Ebonyi over to a PDP faction led by Nyesom Wike, insisting the claims were baseless. He commended the President for supporting major infrastructure projects in the state and maintaining confidence in Engr. David Umahi as Minister of Works. According to the governor, the scale of ongoing federal projects in Ebonyi is unprecedented, adding that the state remains committed to the APC ahead of future elections while respecting the constitutional right of other political parties to campaign.