Francis Nwifuru is the Governor of Ebonyi State. He was Speaker of the State House of Assembly for eight years under Governor Dave Umahi, whom he followed from the PDP to the APC in 2020 and succeeded in 2023.1

Early life and education

Nwifuru was born on 25 February 1975 in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi. His schooling was interrupted at times while he helped his family herd cattle. He studied at Ebonyi State University and in 2021 took a master’s degree in procurement and supply-chain management at the University of Salford.1

The Assembly

After losing a bid in 2007, he was elected to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for Izzi West in 2011, became Speaker in June 2015 and was re-elected Speaker in 2019, the only person to hold the post twice in the state.1

Governor (2023–present)

Nwifuru won the March 2023 election for the APC with 199,131 votes and took office on 29 May 2023. The election tribunal affirmed his victory in September 2023 and the Supreme Court upheld it on 12 January 2024.1

His government has faced criticism over its treatment of critics. In 2024 the general manager of a state-owned radio station was suspended after criticising the governor, and in 2025 the Ohanaeze youth leader Igboayaka O. Igboayaka was detained after criticising the administration; press-freedom groups condemned both cases.23 The governor has called for “constructive criticism” and patience with his administration.4

Personal life

Nwifuru is married to Mary-Maudline Nwifuru. He is a Catholic.1

References

  1. Francis Nwifuru. Wikipedia, accessed October 2026. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. Legacy 95.1 FM general manager suspended for criticising governor. Media Rights Agenda, 2024. ↩

  3. Coalition demands release of Ohanaeze youth leader Igboayaka detained after criticising Ebonyi governor. Sahara Reporters, 20 February 2025. ↩

  4. Gov Nwifuru calls for constructive criticisms, patience with administration. The Will. ↩