By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Residents of the Afikpo and Edda federal constituency in Ebonyi State have issued a stern warning to politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections. The community has declared a “no light, no campaigns” policy, demanding the restoration of electricity before any political activities are allowed to take place.

For over two decades, the area has reportedly been plunged into total darkness. A coalition of civil rights groups, including the Afikpo Intelligentsia in the Diaspora and the RestoreAfikpoLight Campaigners, expressed deep frustration over the prolonged power failure that has crippled the local economy.

The groups specifically called out the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Iduma Igariwey. They criticized his recent claims that lawmakers are not responsible for funding power projects, describing his stance as a disappointing shift from his previous efforts.

Community leaders noted that despite Igariwey’s 12-year tenure, there has been no significant progress on the Amasiri-Afikpo transmission line.

They argued that his legislative powers of oversight and appropriation are sufficient to have prioritized the project in federal budgets.

The coalition highlighted that other political office holders from the zone, including the Deputy Governor and State Assembly members, have also failed to address the crisis. They accused these leaders of avoiding public forums and failing to give an account of their stewardship regarding the blackout.

Determined to see a change, the residents insisted that the constituency deserves the full weight of legislative action, not just “appeals behind closed doors.” They have vowed to block all political campaigns in the region until the 20-year-old darkness is finally resolved.