The Ezza Ezekuna Development Association (EEDA) has firmly declared that the governorship seat in Ebonyi State must remain in the Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone until the 2031 general election, citing justice, fairness, equity, and political stability as core principles guiding its position. The organization rejected a recent communique from a group calling itself the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council, which expressed support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ifeanychukwuma Odii, from Ebonyi South. EEDA stated that the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council lacks legal recognition and constitutional legitimacy, as it is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and has no basis within the traditional governance structures of the Umuekumenyi clans.
During a press briefing held on Thursday in Abakaliki, the National President of EEDA, Chief Kingsley Akam, alongside Secretary Comrade Uchechukwu Edeh and member Professor Chike Emmanuel Onwe, emphasized the association’s commitment to the existing zoning arrangement for political succession in Ebonyi State. They argued that Ebonyi North must complete its two-term tenure as governor, just as Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South have done in previous cycles. This zoning system, they maintained, has been instrumental in maintaining peace and progress across the state since its creation.
EEDA stressed that its stance is not a new development but a continuation of a long-standing position held by Ezza Ezekuna leaders and people. The association warned that anyone opposing the zoning arrangement is acting against the collective interest of the community and undermining the stability that all Ebonyi citizens depend on. Chief Akam described the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council as a “contraption” created hastily by individuals with personal political agendas, using a name designed to falsely suggest broad communal authority.
He urged the public, media, and relevant institutions to treat the group with skepticism and disregard its pronouncements. According to EEDA, the governorship of Ebonyi State remains constitutionally and culturally bound to Ebonyi North until 2031, and no credible Ezza person would challenge this arrangement. The organization’s position underscores the importance of adhering to agreed-upon political rotations to preserve unity and prevent inter-ethnic tensions.
As the 2023 governorship election approaches, EEDA’s declaration adds a significant voice to the ongoing political discourse in Ebonyi State, reinforcing the need for adherence to zoning agreements to ensure lasting peace and equitable development. The coming election will test the strength of these commitments and the willingness of political actors to uphold the principles of fairness and stability.
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