Tension rippled through Ebonyi State’s political landscape this week as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) categorically debunked claims that Governor Francis Nwifuru had entered into any agreement to step down after a single four-year term. The denial came amid increasing speculation that a backroom arrangement had been made prior to the 2023 gubernatorial election, suggesting Nwifuru would only serve one term and hand over power in 2027.

In what appears to be a strategic move to quash internal party unrest and prevent external manipulation of public perception, the Ebonyi APC declared unequivocally that no such agreement exists, has existed, or was ever contemplated by the party or the governor. According to party officials, Governor Nwifuru is focused on delivering his mandate to the people of Ebonyi, not navigating phantom arrangements cooked up for political mischief.

The rumors, which have been making the rounds on social media and in opposition circles, allege that Nwifuru, who was elected under the APC platform in 2023, had supposedly pledged to run for just one term as part of a zoning compromise or internal party power-sharing deal. The whispers grew louder following recent statements by unnamed political stakeholders insinuating that the governor's time in office was already ticking toward an early end in 2027. But the state chapter of the APC has come out swinging, calling the claims a fabrication aimed at distracting the administration and sowing discord within the party.

Party officials, speaking through a formal press statement, described the narrative as “baseless, politically motivated, and intended to create confusion among party faithful.” They reaffirmed that Governor Nwifuru’s emergence followed due process, the will of the people, and was not subject to any conditional term limits outside those constitutionally provided.

“The All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi State wishes to state clearly that there was never an agreement—written or verbal—that Governor Francis Nwifuru would relinquish his position after one term,” the statement read. “The governor remains committed to the development of Ebonyi State, and any future political decisions will be made in accordance with the will of the people and the democratic processes enshrined in our constitution.”

The strong language underscores a growing frustration within the APC over what some party insiders believe is an orchestrated campaign to destabilize Governor Nwifuru’s administration. With less than two years into his first term, Nwifuru has been steering a delicate balancing act—managing expectations from loyalists of his predecessor, David Umahi, while building his own political brand and consolidating governance.

Since assuming office, Nwifuru has focused on continuity in infrastructure development, health sector reforms, education, and improving security across the state. However, his leadership has also had to grapple with intra-party pressures, regional power dynamics, and the weight of public scrutiny that comes with governing a politically sensitive state like Ebonyi.

Political analysts say the speculation surrounding a one-term agreement may stem from lingering tensions in the state's complex power-sharing arrangements, which have historically rotated influence among the major senatorial zones. The recent power shift from Ebonyi North, where Nwifuru hails from, has sparked anxiety among certain groups about what happens in 2027—and who gets to call the shots.

But the APC appears eager to shut down any premature succession talk. According to sources close to the party leadership, the focus remains on governance and maintaining unity within the ranks, especially as the 2027 election season still lies far ahead on the horizon.

Governor Nwifuru himself has not publicly addressed the rumors directly, but those close to him suggest he has dismissed them as a distraction. “The governor is too focused on delivering on his promises to waste time on political gossip,” said a government aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. “People forget that he won a decisive mandate. He owes it to the people to work, not to dance to the tune of invisible hands trying to control the future.”

Observers believe the denial by the APC is not just about setting the record straight—it’s also a warning to political opportunists within and outside the party to back off from scheming prematurely. With national elections barely concluded, and the state still healing from the bruises of intense political competition, the party is wary of new fault lines opening up over speculative narratives.

Political commentator Chuka Nworie noted that the controversy may also be an attempt by rival interests to plant seeds of division early. “By creating a false narrative of a one-term deal, what they’re really trying to do is limit the governor’s political capital and box him into a corner. But if the APC holds firm, that strategy might not fly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the people of Ebonyi continue to watch closely, many more concerned about day-to-day governance than political maneuvering for 2027. Market traders in Abakaliki, civil servants, farmers, and youths across the state are reportedly more interested in improved infrastructure, better healthcare, and job opportunities than in who might wear the gubernatorial crown next.

For now, the APC in Ebonyi is standing by its man, reinforcing Governor Nwifuru’s legitimacy and laying down a marker that his administration won’t be dictated to by whispered backroom deals or political chess games played outside the democratic framework. With three years still left in his first term, any discussions about 2027 are, in their words, “not only premature but deeply unhelpful.”

In a political environment where rumors often become reality, and ambition knows no patience, it remains to be seen whether this denial will silence the growing chatter. What’s clear is that the Ebonyi APC is drawing a line in the sand, defending the seat of power and sending a message to naysayers: Governor Nwifuru is here to stay—at least until the people say otherwise.