2027: Ideato youths, stakeholders urge Ngoforo to join Reps race
*Cite courage, integrity as qualities needed for federal representation
Youth groups and political stakeholders across Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas have intensified calls on Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, Executive Director of Civic Action for Democracy, to contest for the Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.
The growing support follows his involvement in a lawsuit seeking the delisting of the Action Peoples Party (APP) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) register. Observers say interest in his potential candidacy increased after the February 26 court proceedings drew public attention to the case.
At community meetings, town halls and youth gatherings across the two councils in recent weeks, supporters have consistently argued that Ngoforo’s activism, courage and commitment to democratic principles make him a suitable candidate for the House of Representatives.
The Ideato Youth Alliance, which previously conferred a “Defender of Democracy” award on Ngoforo, has been at the forefront of the mobilisation. In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Obiora Uche, the group described Ngoforo as a leader with “integrity, constitutional commitment and the courage to stand by his convictions.”
The group maintained that Ideato requires leadership that prioritises transparency, accountability and service to the people, adding that Ngoforo’s track record in civil society advocacy reflects those values.
Beyond youth organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders, professional bodies and women’s groups have also expressed support. At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Arondizuogu last weekend, participants reportedly encouraged him to consider contesting on a credible political platform.
A community leader at the meeting, Mazi Boniface Nwachukwu, said Ngoforo’s handling of the legal action demonstrated diligence and commitment to democratic processes, qualities he described as necessary for effective representation at the National Assembly.
Some stakeholders pledged logistical and financial backing should he decide to run, noting that his civil society background could attract cross-party support.
However, sources close to Ngoforo say he has yet to make a final decision. According to associates, his immediate focus remains the ongoing court case, with the next hearing scheduled for April 16, 2026.
“His priority is seeing the legal process through,” a source said, adding that any political decision would likely come after the conclusion of the case.
While speculation continues to mount, attention remains on the forthcoming court proceedings. Nonetheless, the sustained calls from various quarters indicate strong grassroots interest in his possible candidacy ahead of the 2027 elections.
