From Chinedu Nwafor Abakaliki
A sociopolitical group, Ezza Ezekuna Development Association (EEDA) has formally unveiled itself to the public, declaring its commitment to the unity, development, and political equity of Ezza people across Ebonyi State and beyond.
In a statement in Abakaliki on Thursday, June 24, 2026 and signed by the National President of EEDA, Chief Kingsley Akam and Secretary, Comrade Uchechukwu Edeh, the association said it was established to provide “principled leadership, strategic advocacy and constructive engagement” on all matters affecting Ezza communities.
The press statement was read by Professor Chike Onwe, one of the leaders of the association.
EEDA said it was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in April 2024 as a socio-cultural, socio-economic and socio-political organisation.
“Our mission is to mobilise the human, intellectual, economic and cultural resources of Ezza people for sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship and community advancement,” the Association stated.
It stressed that EEDA “is not an electoral vehicle, nor was it established to serve the ambitions of any individual,” adding that it exists solely to advance the legitimate collective interests of Ezza people.
The group expressed firm support for the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, citing efforts in peace building, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, education, and human capital development.
“We commend, in particular, the administration’s commitment to human capital development, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, educational advancement and the restoration of peace in communities that previously experienced persistent and destabilising conflict,” the Association said.
EEDA also made an “irrevocable endorsement” of Governor Nwifuru for a second term in 2027, saying the endorsement was “grounded in his demonstrated commitment to peace, development and inclusive governance.”
On political succession, EEDA said it aligns fully with the established zoning arrangement in Ebonyi State.
“The governorship of Ebonyi State remains, in accordance with the prevailing zoning understanding, in Ebonyi North until 2031. No reasonable Ezza person, properly informed of the history of our state and properly committed to the collective stability of Ebonyi, would oppose this arrangement,” the association declared.
It added that “political ambition, however, legitimate in itself, must never supersede collective stability,” and warned against attempts to portray Ezza people as being opposed to zoning.
EEDA also dismissed a recent communiqué by a group calling itself the “Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council.”
“The so-called Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council has no legal existence. It is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It has no constitutional foundation… It is, in plain terms, a contraption assembled hurriedly and without mandate by individuals pursuing personal political agendas,” the Association said.
The association said the individuals involved “were not elected. They were not delegated. They were not authorised by any traditional institution,” and therefore “speak for themselves alone.”
It declared EEDA as “the duly constituted and legally recognised platform through which the collective position of Ezza Ezekuna is articulated.”
The association issued five formal declarations: commitment to Ezza unity; support for peace, equity and zoning; rejection of the Umuekumenyi group; endorsement of Nwifuru’s second term; and a pledge to pursue a comprehensive development agenda for Ezza people in partnership with elders, youth, business, academia, and government.
Concluding, the Association called on all sons and daughters of Ezza Ezekuna to “reject division, reject misinformation” and embrace unity and development “not as a slogan but as a practice.”
“Together, we shall build a stronger Ezza nation, a more prosperous Ebonyi State and a better Nigeria,” the group said.