Adewa, Middle Belt, different youths warn towards assaults on Ken Ukeagu

The Arewa Youth Council, Middle Belt and Ohanaeze youths have warned supporters of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma towards alleged makes an attempt to intimidate or discredit Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner overseeing Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states, declaring that such actions should cease within the curiosity of nationwide unity and democratic stability.

The socio-cultural youth teams additionally expressed confidence within the management of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and the fee’s capability to conduct credible, clear and peaceable elections in 2027.

The teams’ place follows an announcement attributed to a bunch recognized because the Ohanaeze Youth Forum, which raised issues concerning the credibility of the 2027 basic elections within the South-East over allegations of partisanship towards Ukeagu.

In the assertion, the group alleged that the INEC National Commissioner had deserted the neutrality required by his workplace in favour of partisan relationships.

However, the youth representatives have dissociated themselves from any try to make use of the identify of socio-cultural organisations to advance political pursuits, stir pointless controversy or undermine public confidence within the electoral course of.

They maintained that allegations towards any public official have to be supported by credible proof and addressed via the suitable institutional channels reasonably than via inflammatory statements, private assaults or threats.

“Enough is enough. No individual or political group should be allowed to intimidate, malign or subject an electoral official to unnecessary attacks simply because of political disagreements or unsubstantiated allegations,” the teams declared.

They burdened that Nigeria’s democracy can solely thrive when electoral officers are allowed to discharge their constitutional duties with out intimidation, political strain or campaigns designed to undermine their credibility.

The teams additional referred to as on supporters of Governor Hope Uzodimma and different political actors to train restraint and chorus from actions able to escalating tensions or creating pointless divisions forward of the 2027 elections.

According to them, the credibility of the electoral course of is a collective accountability that requires cooperation amongst political events, electoral officers, civil society organisations and most people.

They additionally expressed confidence in Professor Amupitan’s management of INEC, urging Nigerians to assist efforts to strengthen the fee’s independence, transparency and institutional credibility.

The youth representatives emphasised that the 2027 elections must be approached with a dedication to peace, equity and respect for democratic establishments, reasonably than political hostility or makes an attempt to discredit people with out credible proof.

They urged all stakeholders to prioritise nationwide curiosity over partisan issues, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and private assaults towards electoral officers may erode public belief and heighten political tensions.

The teams reaffirmed their dedication to peaceable democratic participation and referred to as on Nigerians, significantly younger folks, to reject political intimidation and assist a reputable electoral course of.

They concluded that Nigeria deserves credible elections, accountable political management and an electoral umpire whose work is judged by proof, due course of and the provisions of the legislation.