Adewa, Middle Belt, other youths warn of attacks on Ken Ukeagu

Youths from Arewa Youth Council, Middle Belt and Ohanaeze have warned supporters of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma against alleged attempts to intimidate or discredit Dr Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, the National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which oversees Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states, saying such actions must stop in the interest of national unity and democratic stability.

Youth socio-cultural groups also expressed confidence in the leadership of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan and the commission’s ability to conduct credible, transparent and peaceful elections in 2027.

The groups’ stance follows a statement attributed to a group identified as Ohanaeze Youth Forum, which raised concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections in the South East over allegations of bias against Ukeagu.

In the statement, the group said that the CENI national commissioner had abandoned the neutrality required by his office in favor of partisan reporting.

However, youth representatives dissociated themselves from any attempts to use the name of socio-cultural organizations to promote political interests, stir up unnecessary controversy or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

They argued that allegations against any public official should be supported by credible evidence and addressed through appropriate institutional channels rather than through inflammatory statements, personal attacks or threats.

“Enough is enough. No individual or political group should be allowed to intimidate, defame, or subject an election official to unnecessary attacks simply because of political disagreements or unfounded accusations,” the groups said.

They stressed that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when electoral officials are allowed to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, political pressure or campaigns designed to undermine their credibility.

The groups also called on supporters of Governor Hope Uzodimma and other political actors to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could increase tensions or create unnecessary divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to them, the credibility of the electoral process is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between political parties, electoral officials, civil society organizations and the general public.

They also expressed confidence in Professor Amupitan’s leadership of INEC, urging Nigerians to support efforts to strengthen the commission’s independence, transparency and institutional credibility.

Youth representatives stressed that the 2027 elections should be approached with a commitment to peace, fairness and respect for democratic institutions, rather than political hostility or attempts to discredit individuals without credible evidence.

They urged all stakeholders to prioritize national interest over partisan considerations, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks against election officials could erode public trust and increase political tensions.

The groups reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful democratic participation and called on Nigerians, especially youth, to reject political intimidation and support a credible electoral process.

They concluded that Nigeria deserves credible elections, responsible political leadership and an electoral umpire whose work is judged by evidence, due process and the provisions of the law.