Gracia Simeon – Abakaliki
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru of the All Progressive Congress(APC), winner of Ebonyi State Governorship election held on Saturday 18 March 2023.
According to INEC, Nwifuru, polled One Hundred and Ninety Nine thousand One hundred and Thirty One (199,131) votes to defeat his closest rival of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who polled Eighty Thousand One Hundred and Ninety One (80191) votes .
Declaring the results, at INEC collation center in Abakaliki on Monday, the Returning officer Prof Charles Igwe, Vice Chancellor University of Nigeria Nsukka, said Nwifuru has satisfied all the requirements of law. He then returned him elected
” I Prof Charles A Igwe hereby satisfied that I am the returning officer of the 2023 governorship election held on 18 March 2023, the candidate contested the election.
“That Nwifuru Francis Ognonna having Satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner and is returned elected “
Earlier, the REC in her part urged the candidates that are not satisfied with the results declared to approach the courts. She however promises to provide any materials needed in for inspection.
In his acceptance speech the Governor Elect Chief Francis Nwifuru, thanked God for the victory. According to him, “this is a thoroughly deserved victory for Ebonyi people, for Continuity and Consolidation on the brilliant works of the present administration. We came on Divine Mandate and together, we shall all work to meet the needs of Ebonyi people, that is why our Manifesto is themed “The People’s Charter of Needs.”
“I appreciate most highly and graciously, our leader and father, my boss, the master of intelligence, the Governor of Governors, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi (FNSE, FNATE, CON, GCEHF) – Governor of Ebonyi State of Nigeria and Her Excellency, the mother of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs. Rachel Ogonna Umahi, Erinma 1 of Izzi Land, for their relentless fatherly and motherly roles in my life and in Ebonyi State. Despite my frailties, they saw me worthy to fill in the big shoes of serving as the next Governor of Ebonyi State. God bless you, Your Excellencies. I will not disappoint you.
“To our dependable Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe (Ph.D) and wife, my distinguished Members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, the Judiciary, stakeholders and the entire people of Ebonyi State, I say a very big thank you for this massive trust you have placed on me.
“During our campaigns, we laid before you, my dear people, what will be the essence of our administration and I make proud to say that we will not deter in fulfilling our promises to you.
“My appreciation equally goes to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for a seamless, transparent, free, fair and credible elections.
“To my beloved wife, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, my entire family, staff, friends and well-wishers, I say a very big thank you”.
