By CHARLES IWUOHA

Fear of second bid have griped 11 out of 13 serving local government chairmen on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State following Governor Francis Nwifuru’s refusal to endorse their re-election.

The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) has fixed both Chairmanship and Councillorship elections for July 20, 2024 across the 13 local government and 171 Electoral wards in the state.

During a State Executive Committee Meeting of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Governor Nwifuru endorsed only two chairmen for re-election.

The chairmen endorsed by the governor are Barrister Sunday Nwankwo of Ikwo LGA and Hon. Ajah Chinonso of Ohaozara LGA.

The governor, it was learnt, asked the remaining 11 chairmen to go back and get stakeholders’ endorsement from their respective council areas.

Following the directive, the party quickly inaugurated a zoning committee with Senator Obinna Ọgba as the chairman which began seating yesterday (Wednesday).

The governor’s order has thrown the camp of the chairmen into a state of apprehension. News Express gathered that some of them are said not to be on good terms with key stakeholders in their areas.

It was further learnt that some of them have been running from pillar to post trying to pacify the stakeholders to endorse their re-election.

Chairmen of Edda, Hon. Chima Ekumankama, and Onicha, Hon. Chidiebere Agwu got endorsements from their stakeholders and have thus proceeded to purchase their forms.

Ivo Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ajah, told newsmen on Wednesday that he has also secured the endorsement of the majority of the stakeholders in his area.

Ajah made this known at the party’s secretariat in Abakiliki after he procured the nomination and expression of interest forms from the party.

He promised to ensure adequate security and peace in the border Council area which is a gateway to Enugu and Abia states.

Agwu on his part, promised to spread more democracy dividends to all communities in the council.