Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has dismissed claims that he is violating an alleged zoning arrangement limiting senators from the district to a single four-year tenure, insisting that there is no political or constitutional basis for him to forgo a second term bid in 2027.
Nwebonyi was reacting to comments reportedly made by his opponent and senatorial candidate under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chikadoli Ojimba, who urged him to withdraw from the race on the grounds of an alleged one-term agreement in Ebonyi North Senatorial District.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on Sunday, the lawmaker maintained that the purported arrangement had no binding effect, noting that former Governor of Ebonyi State and ex-senator representing Ebonyi North, Sam Egwu, served two terms in the Senate.
“I am not the first senator from Ebonyi North to seek a second term. Senator Sam Egwu, the first civilian governor of Ebonyi State, served two terms in the Senate representing Ebonyi North. By the grace of God, I will also serve a second term,” Nwebonyi said.
The senator declared that he had no formidable rival ahead of the 2027 senatorial election, attributing his confidence to what he described as his track record of effective representation and impactful constituency projects.
Taking a swipe at some opposition candidates seeking elective offices, Nwebonyi argued that leadership should be built on experience, competence and a proven record of public service.
“Politics is not an avenue for making money. Those coming into politics with such expectations should reconsider. Public service is about sacrifice and service to the people,” he stated.
The senator also expressed confidence in the electoral fortunes of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that the party remained firmly entrenched in Ebonyi State.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as increased federal attention to the South-East, particularly Ebonyi State, citing ongoing federal road projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
Nwebonyi equally reaffirmed his support for Governor Francis Nwifuru, describing him as a unifying figure whose leadership had strengthened cohesion across Ebonyi State, especially within the Izzi clan.
Reacting to reports of alleged divisions among the Izzi people, the senator dismissed the claims as unfounded, insisting that the clan was more united than ever under Governor Nwifuru’s administration.
According to him, the era of political fragmentation driven by sectional interests had passed, urging political stakeholders to embrace unity and work collectively for the development of the state.
“We are united, focused and committed to the progress of Ebonyi State. The politics of division is behind us, and our people are determined to move forward together,” he said.
