The newly sworn-in Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Eze Paul Ituma, has warned opposition political parties and their supporters against engaging in political activities in the council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ituma, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), issued the warning shortly after his inauguration alongside other newly elected local government chairmen and vice-chairmen in Ebonyi State.
In a viral video, the Ohaukwu council chairman said opposition elements who work against the interests of the ruling party or Governor Francis Nwifuru should stay away from the local government area.
He further warned that individuals who attempt to challenge his political interests could be declared persona non grata in Ohaukwu.
The chairman's remarks came shortly after Governor Nwifuru directed the newly inaugurated council chairmen to work towards securing victory for the APC in their respective local government areas during the 2027 elections.
Nwifuru had warned that any local government chairman who failed to deliver his council area to the APC could lose his position. The governor made the statement during the inauguration of the 13 local government chairmen and vice-chairmen in Abakaliki.
Following the governor's charge, Ituma appeared to reinforce the administration's political expectations, describing politics as his business and warning opponents against interfering with activities in Ohaukwu.
“Anyone who dares to do so will be declared persona non grata,” Ituma said, according to reports of his remarks. He also urged those who were not prepared to support the APC to keep away from the council area.
The development has generated attention because it comes at a time when political activities are already beginning to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The chairman's comments have also raised questions about political tolerance and the ability of opposition parties and their supporters to freely organise and participate in political activities within the local government.
Governor Nwifuru, meanwhile, has expressed confidence that the APC will retain its dominance across Ebonyi State in the next general election. He also directed the newly elected council leaders to return to their respective areas and mobilise support for the party.
For residents and political stakeholders in Ohaukwu, the situation could become an important test of how political competition is managed at the grassroots as the 2027 elections approach.
While political parties are expected to mobilise supporters and campaign for votes, the growing rhetoric from political actors is likely to attract closer attention as the election season draws nearer.
For now, Ituma's warning has placed Ohaukwu among the areas attracting political attention in Ebonyi State, with stakeholders watching how the council's political environment develops ahead of the 2027 elections.