‘Don’t Push Us’ — Nwifuru Dismisses Claims Tinubu Handed Ebonyi to Wike

Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi, has rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu handed over political control of Ebonyi state to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ rally in Abakaliki, organised in support of his re-election bid, Nwifuru said some allies of Wike in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been peddling such claims across the state.

“I heard some people are saying that President Tinubu has given Ebonyi state to PDP for the 2027 governorship election, and their leader Nyesom Wike has also said that the president has given Ebonyi to him. We say to them, ‘eyaah’. Ebonyi is not for sale. We are not afraid,” Nwifuru said.

“Wike’s boys in the PDP are going around claiming that Wike assured them that he has given Ebonyi state to them. We say to them ‘eeyaah!’.”

‘Eeyah’ is Nigerian Pidgin which roughly translates to “what a pity!”

Nwifuru also cautioned against what he described as political overreach.

“Don’t push us,” he warned.

The governor’s remarks come amid growing political realignments in the south-east and speculation over the influence of key political actors ahead of the 2027 general election.

Nwifuru, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), used the rally to reaffirm his support for Tinubu and mobilise backing for the party in the state.

The event was attended by party supporters, traditional rulers and a broad spectrum of stakeholders, who expressed support for the governor and president.

Nwifuru also highlighted ongoing development projects in Ebonyi and federal government initiatives affecting the south-east region.