2027: Atiku Ally Dumps Reps Ticket, Backs Tinubu’s Re-election

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, Ambassador Ephraim Iyke Nwonu, has withdrawn from the 2027 National Assembly race and declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.

Nwonu announced his decision on Saturday in Abuja, despite his name still appearing on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, portal as the ADC candidate for the constituency.

The politician, who had previously supported the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said he was giving up his ambition to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives because of his decision to support Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor.

Nwonu said he would now work with members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State and his constituency to mobilise support for Tinubu and the governor ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also spoke about his long-standing relationship with Tinubu, saying their political connection began in 1992 when the President was serving as a senator.

According to Nwonu, his late political mentor, Senator Polycarp Nwite, was also a member of the Senate at the time. He said Nwite later appointed him secretary of the then Democratic Party of Nigeria, DPN, in Ebonyi State.

Nwonu said his past political association with Tinubu and his loyalty to the President were among the reasons behind his decision to abandon the ADC ticket and support the President’s re-election campaign.

Although his name remains on the INEC platform as the ADC candidate, Nwonu has publicly withdrawn from the contest and indicated that his political activities will now focus on supporting Tinubu and the Ebonyi State government.

His decision adds to the political movement taking place ahead of the 2027 general election, with politicians and candidates changing political positions and declaring support for different parties and candidates.