By CHARLES IWUOHA

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State, Senator Igwe Nwagu Paulinus, has called for violence-free elections and issue-based campaigns, urging political party members, supporters and the electorate to embrace peace, tolerance and political maturity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Nwagu made the appeal on Monday during a press conference in Abakaliki, the state capital, where he formally declared his interest in the governorship position under the theme, “A New Vision for Ebonyi State: Leadership, Experience, Competence and Inclusive Development.”

He maintained that elections should provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, the presentation of alternative policies and healthy democratic competition, rather than become occasions for violence, intimidation, character assassination or unnecessary confrontation.

“Let me particularly appeal to members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties to see the forthcoming election as a democratic contest and not a personal attack on anybody’s ego or political interest,” he said.

He noted that building a better Ebonyi State was a collective responsibility, adding that the 2027 elections would provide political parties and candidates with an opportunity to present their records, experience, leadership capacity, policy direction and development agenda to the electorate.

“I want to assure Ebonyi people that my campaign will be issue-based. I will not engage in the politics of bitterness, violence, intimidation or personal attacks. My campaign will be guided by democratic principles, respect for opposing views and the conviction that the people deserve the opportunity to make informed choices,” he said.

The NDC candidate also called on all political parties to conduct their campaigns in the spirit of unity, stressing that whoever emerges victorious would ultimately be responsible for governing the entire state, irrespective of political affiliation.

He urged the people of Ebonyi State to reject divisive and clannish politics, insisting that competence, experience, capacity and the collective interest of the people must take precedence over narrow political considerations.

Eight-Point Development Agenda

Senator Igwe Nwagu outlined an eight-point development agenda that he said would guide his administration if elected governor.

The agenda comprises peace and security; quality education; standard healthcare delivery; modern agriculture and food security; youth and women empowerment and humanitarian services; industrialisation and economic development; respect for the rule of law and good governance; and accountability and transparency.

On security, he pledged to strengthen community-based security arrangements, improve collaboration with relevant security agencies and promote peaceful coexistence among communities across the state.

On education, the governorship candidate promised to improve the quality of teaching and learning, upgrade educational facilities, enhance teachers’ welfare and expand access to education.

He also emphasised the need for an accessible, affordable and effective healthcare system, pledging to prioritise primary healthcare facilities and improve healthcare infrastructure across the state.

On the rule of law, Senator Igwe Nwagu maintained that no citizen should be above the law and that no one should be denied justice because of political affiliation, social status or economic circumstances.

Addressing economic development, he argued that Ebonyi State must move beyond an economy driven largely by government spending.

He pledged to promote industrialisation, attract credible investors and support small and medium-sized enterprises to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.

NDC Offers New Direction for Governance

According to the former senator, the Nigeria Democratic Congress represents an opportunity to rethink governance, address existing shortcomings and chart a new course for the country.

He said that under the national leadership of the party and its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, the NDC was committed to confronting Nigeria’s challenges and providing practical solutions.

“Our mission is to build a country where public resources translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. At the state level, we intend to bring this vision to Ebonyi State through purposeful leadership, prudent management of public resources, accountability and people-oriented governance.

“Government must work for the people, and development must be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens,” he said.

The NDC governorship candidate further disclosed that, if elected, his administration would undertake a comprehensive review of existing government policies, programmes, projects and development strategies.

He explained that beneficial policies would be consolidated and improved upon, while identified shortcomings would be addressed through necessary corrections and more effective alternatives.

“Our objective will not be to destroy the legacies of previous administrations but to build on their achievements and correct their weaknesses in the overall interest of Ebonyi people. No individual leader should claim personal ownership of government projects financed with taxpayers’ money,” he said.

He added that governance was a continuous process, arguing that no administration had a monopoly on knowledge and that government policies should remain open to review and improvement in response to changing needs and circumstances.

Senator Igwe Nwagu urged members of the NDC to remain united, disciplined and committed to the party’s collective mission.

He also extended a hand of friendship to members of other political parties, emphasising that political differences should not undermine the shared interests and common destiny of the people of Ebonyi State.

“To members of other political parties, I extend a hand of friendship. We may belong to different political platforms, but we remain brothers and sisters with a common destiny,” he said.