By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki

ABAKALIKI — The All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Barrister Joe Ekumankama, has called on voters in the constituency to support all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Ekumankama, a former Minister of State for Health, made the call during the 2026 Edda New Yam Festival held in Lagos.

The APC House of Representatives candidate, who attended the event alongside prominent sons and daughters of Edda clan, urged the people to remain united and support candidates of the party across the ballot.

He said his election would provide an opportunity to attract greater development to the constituency, promising to use his experience and relationships from his time in government to advance the interests of his constituents.

Ekumankama also commended members of the Edda community for sustaining the annual new yam celebration and using the occasion to reconnect with their roots.

He urged the people to work together for the development of the community.

“Time has come for Edda people to remain united as one cherished entity and work for their wellbeing by voting across board in the forthcoming general elections,” he said.

The former minister also commended the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, saying they had undertaken initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of residents.

He argued that the emergence of APC candidates in the 2027 elections would, in his view, help sustain and complete ongoing projects in Ebonyi State and the South-East.

Ekumankama further promised to deploy his experience as a former federal minister to attract development to Afikpo and Edda if elected to the House of Representatives.

“Given the opportunity to serve my people, Afikpo and Edda will be assured of quality representation at the Green Chambers,” he said.

Among those who accompanied him at the event were Prince Ugorji Ama-Oti, Chief Julius Ama-Oji and Dr Onuoha Ikwou Nnachi, among others.