Political heavyweights converged at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki on Monday, September 1, 2026, as Governor Francis Nwifuru swore in 13 newly elected Local Government Area chairmen, following a landslide victory by the All Progressives Congress across Ebonyi State.
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, was in attendance alongside former Governor Chief Martin Elechi, traditional rulers, party leaders, and thousands of supporters who gathered to witness the formal inauguration.
Governor Nwifuru, while administering the oath of office, urged the new chairmen to justify the mandate given to them through accountable leadership and grassroots development.
“You must translate this confidence into visible impact in your communities. Be responsive, be accountable, and work in harmony with the state government to advance the development of Ebonyi,” Nwifuru charged.
The swearing-in followed the statewide local government elections where the APC won all 13 chairmanship seats and every councillorship position in the state.
*The 13 newly sworn-in chairmen are:*
– *Abakaliki*: Chidiebere Onyema Alo
– *Afikpo*: Timothy Agha Uduma Nwachi
– *Ebonyi*: Odigwe Chibueze Nwelebe
– *Edda*: Oko Simeon Unuoha
– *Ezza North*: Nwuhuo Linus Friday
– *Ezza South*: Chinedu Mkpuma
– *Ikwo*: Nwode Chidi Henry
– *Ishielu*: Agwu Peace Ifeoma
– *Ivo*: Anym Michael Kalu
– *Izzi*: Helen Nnenna Aduga
– *Ohaozara*: Osborne Nweze Umahi
– *Ohaukwu*: Eze Paul Ituma
– *Onicha*: Ogbojia Ikechukwu
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new tenure for grassroots administration in Ebonyi, with expectations that the councils will prioritize community needs, infrastructure, and alignment with the state’s development agenda.
The event was attended by government officials, party faithful, family members and stakeholders from across the 13 LGAs
