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Over 10,000 young people under the banner of the Ebonyi Youth Coalition (EYC) have thrown their weight behind High Chief Ojimba Chikaodili Fidelis Ojimba as the preferred candidate for the Ebonyi North senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
The group, which describes itself as a broad coalition of youths across the senatorial zone, has openly rejected what it called the recent political positioning by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on the sharing of positions along Izzi kindred lines and the characterisation of the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by Comrade Eze Francis, the coalition said the governor’s reported comments at the Ojiji Izhi New Yam Festival grand finale in Amagu, which touched on kindred balance between Igbojima and Unweru and the nature of those suited for the Senate, did not reflect the aspirations of the younger generation.
The youths insisted that competence, track record of service, and the capacity to deliver tangible results must override any attempt to impose candidates through traditional or political fiat.
“We, the members of the Ebonyi Youth Coalition numbering over 10,000, categorically reject any attempt to dictate who should represent Ebonyi North in the Senate on the basis of kindred arithmetic or personal preference,” the statement read.
“The Senate seat is not a family inheritance or a reward for loyalty to any individual. It belongs to the people, and the people of Ebonyi North have already made their choice clear.
“High Chief Ojimba Chikaodili Fidelis Ojimba has earned the confidence of the youth through his proven record as a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and grassroots mobiliser.
“He is the clear favourite among young people across the zone, and we will stand firmly with him.
“Any suggestion that the National Assembly is reserved for a particular type of person is an insult to the intelligence of the electorate and will be resisted.”
The coalition highlighted Ojimba’s background as a self-made businessman who rose from modest beginnings in Onyikwa Nkaleke Echara Nduebor, Ebonyi Local Government Area.
Born on 12 April 1983, he built a thriving enterprise that included distribution of Nigeria Breweries and Guinness products before expanding into the quarry and mining sector, where he later served as Chairman of the Ebonyi State Consolidate Quarry Owners Association.
Youths in the group pointed to his extensive philanthropic work, including automatic scholarships for every undergraduate from his community, payment of hospital bills, empowerment of young entrepreneurs, and support for students studying abroad, as evidence of a leader who understands the daily struggles of ordinary people.
They argued that such a record of wealth creation and direct impact on lives far outweighs any political arrangement based on kindred rotation.
“Ojimba’s story is the story of many Ebonyi youths who refuse to be limited by circumstance,” the statement declared.
“He travelled to Port Harcourt after secondary school, worked hard, studied Linguistics and Communication at the University of Port Harcourt on a part-time basis, and built a legitimate business empire that employs people and stimulates the local economy.
“That is the kind of leadership we need in the Senate. We will not accept any narrative that diminishes the value of hard work, integrity, and service.
” The claim that the Senate is only for those with a certain kind of courage or that good people should stay away is both false and dangerous.
“Ebonyi North deserves a senator who can attract investment, create jobs, and speak for the people without fear or favour,” the coalition continued.
The group further noted that Ojimba’s peaceful disposition, humility, and consistent engagement with communities have made him a rallying point for young voters who feel alienated by top-down political decisions.
They called on all stakeholders, including traditional institutions and party leaders, to respect the democratic choice of the people rather than attempt to impose candidates through private understandings.
According to the coalition, the 2027 election presents an opportunity for Ebonyi North to send a representative who has already demonstrated the ability to generate wealth, create employment, and invest in human capital.
They warned that any effort to undermine Ojimba’s candidacy under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would be met with organised peaceful resistance at the grassroots.
“Our support for High Chief Ojimba is total and non-negotiable,” the statement emphasised.
“We reject the governor’s reported position on the senatorial race and the attempt to frame representation along narrow kindred lines. The youths of Ebonyi North have spoken, and our voice is clear: Ojimba is our candidate.
“We urge every young person in the zone to remain vigilant, mobilise their families and communities, and ensure that the will of the people prevails in 2027.
“Leadership is about service, not entitlement. High Chief Ojimba Chikaodili Fidelis Ojimba has shown he understands that principle, and we stand with him”.
