INEC Officially Declares APC’s Nwifuru Ebonyi Governor-Elect

BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Francis Nwifuru as the winner of the March 18 governorship election in Ebonyi State.

Announcing the result at INEC State Headquarters in Abakaliki on Sunday, the State Returning Officer, Charles Igwe, said Nwifuru garnered a total of 199,131 votes cast across the 13 Local Governments Areas (LGAs) in the state.

On Nwifuru’s trail as a distant second is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ifeanyi Odii who amassed a total of 80,191 votes in the election.

In third place is the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flag bearer, Bernard Odoh, who polled 52,189 votes.

According to him; “I, Professor Charles Igwe, hereby certify that I am the Returning Officer of the governorship election held on 18th March 2023 in Ebonyi State.

“That Francis Nwifuru of the APC having satisfied the requirements of the law and having scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared winner and is returned elected.”

Mr Igwe, the current Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said the total valid votes cast were 342,554 while 7,387 votes were rejected; bringing tally in the election to 349,941 votes.

Reacting to his victory announcement, the Governor-elect, Francis Nwifuru, thanked the people of Ebonyi State for entrusting him with their mandate for the next four years.

He declared his unalloyed loyalty to the patriotic citizens of Ebonyi State for electing him and promised never to disappoint them.

Also appreciating Governor Dave Umahi for his support, Nwifuru, who is the incumbent Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, described his emergence as a victory for equity and justice.

Describing the election as a reflection of the people’s wishes, noting that they have been resolute and desirous of consolidating the ongoing development in the state.

The final results as announced by INEC presented below:

Registered voters – 1,597,646

Accredited voters – 350,345

Scores By Parties

AA 554

ADC 673

ADP 578

APC 199,131

APGA 52,189

APM 206

APP 99

LP 6793

NNPP 674

NRM 310

PDP 80,191

SDP 126

YPP 280

TOTAL VALID VOTES 342,554

REJECTED VOTES 7387

TOTAL VOTES CAST 349,941