Leading APC stakeholders in Ebonyi State, including Osbourne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, have commended the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s local government elections across the state.

Osbourne Umahi, who is the APC chairmanship candidate for Ohaozara Local Government Area, cast his vote at Onuofukulu Polling Unit, Umunaga, Uburu.

“I’m satisfied with the conduct of the election so far. I’m happy to see that everything has been peaceful,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the results would reflect the wishes of the people and urged that the peaceful atmosphere be sustained “until the conclusion of the electoral process and collation of results.”

Commissioner for Special Duties, Valentine Okike-Uzor, who voted at his Onu Borehole Polling Unit in Onicha LGA, described voting as a constitutional right.

Okike-Uzor, who voted for the APC, expressed confidence in the party’s victory but called for inclusive leadership.

“After today, the chairman becomes the chairman of everybody in the local government, not just one political party,” he said.

He dismissed claims of vote buying at his polling unit and said voter mobilisation was strong.

Also voting at Onuofukulu Polling Unit, Umunaga, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for ensuring peace and commended EBSIEC for organising the poll.

“The turnout at the polling unit demonstrated the people’s interest in the electoral process and appreciation for the administration,” Ori said.

Senator Anthony Ani, representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, who voted in Onicha LGA, said the exercise was proof of the state’s democratic growth.

“Today’s election shows that we have embraced the principles of democracy,” Ani stated.

He said adequate security was in place and that the focus should be on quality governance, not whether LG elections hold every two or four years.

“The key issue is for governments emerging from local elections to deliver the dividends of democracy to residents,” he added.

Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, voted in Ishiagu, Ivo LGA.

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He expressed satisfaction with voter turnout and said it showed residents’ interest in grassroots governance.

“You can see that people are still coming out to vote. That means people are interested in what we’re doing. They are certainly interested in local government,” he said.

Nkemkanma expressed confidence in an APC sweep but urged winners to focus on service. He rejected claims that the poll was a “one-party contest,” saying no one was stopped from picking EBSIEC forms.

“Candidates who wanted to contest were free to approach EBSIEC. The absence of strong opposition in some areas was not the fault of the APC,” he said.

Reports from across Ebonyi indicated peaceful voting and steady turnout at polling units as residents elected new council chairmen and councillors.

The peaceful conduct of the election has been attributed to the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru and the preparedness of EBSIEC.