Ngbo Youths Demand Peace, Level Playing Field as 2027 Campaigns Begin

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

The Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth has called on political parties, candidates, their supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance, issue-based campaigns and a level playing field as campaigns for the 2027 general elections commence.

The group made the call in a statement signed by its President, Sir Michael Ogwudu Odo, Esq., and Secretary, Comrade Samuel Onwe Okpor, following the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The youth body, which described itself as strictly non-partisan, said its membership cuts across major political parties in the country, stressing that members set aside their political affiliations whenever they come together to pursue issues of collective interest.

It commended Ngbo youths for what it described as their unity and progress in partnering with leaders and political stakeholders towards the development of Ngboejeogu in Ebonyi State.

The group encouraged youths to participate actively in politics and support political parties of their choice, saying political activities should no longer be regarded as the exclusive preserve of a few privileged individuals.

However, it warned politicians, supporters and sponsors against violence, thuggery and intimidation, urging youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.

The group recalled the killing of an Ngbo youth during the 2023 general elections, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the consequences of political violence and urging youths to learn from the past.

“The loss of lives and destruction of properties can never be a strategy for winning elections,” the statement said, while urging political actors to pursue their ambitions through peaceful and democratic means.

The Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth also urged candidates and political parties to make security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods central to their campaigns.

It advised politicians to allow their manifestos and track records to speak for them rather than resorting to insults, false propaganda and campaigns of calumny against opponents.

According to the group, democracy thrives on diversity of opinions, adding that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the unity of Ngboejeogu people and Ebonyians.

It therefore called on political parties to tolerate opposing views, respect voters’ choices and engage in healthy, issue-based debates throughout the campaign period.

The youth body further appealed to the government at all levels, security agencies, INEC and other electoral stakeholders to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

It said no candidate or political party should be denied access to campaign venues, media platforms or adequate security protection on account of political affiliation.

The group also warned political actors against recruiting youths into cultism, drug abuse and other social vices during the campaign period, urging parents, traditional rulers and community leaders to work together to protect young people from political exploitation.

While acknowledging youths’ freedom of expression, particularly on social media, the group urged them to exercise restraint and avoid using digital platforms to inflame political tensions or create unnecessary crises.

The organisation recalled that following the deadly violence during the 2023 general elections, Ngboejeogu youths had withdrawn from political campaigns across political parties until normalcy returned to Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

It said the decision, which received massive compliance from the youths, contributed to reducing the security threat at the time.

The group said that should a similar situation arise, though it prayed such would not happen, youths should again comply with any directive aimed at protecting lives and property.

It also called on religious leaders in Ohaukwu LGA to initiate and facilitate a peace accord to be signed by candidates of the various political parties contesting the forthcoming elections.

The Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth further pledged to partner with law enforcement agencies to ensure that criminal activities committed during the campaigns are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, irrespective of the status or political influence of those involved.

The group wished all political parties and candidates well, urging them to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respectfully and around issues that directly affect the people.