The Ohanaeze Youth Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed concern over the alleged misuse of its name by individuals claiming to be part of the Ohanaeze Youth Forum (OYF). This group reportedly issued a statement questioning the neutrality and credibility of Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, the INEC National Commissioner overseeing Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi states. The Ohanaeze Youth Council has distanced itself from the OYF and its allegations, calling the publication misleading and aimed at dragging its name into a politically motivated controversy.
The controversy began with a statement allegedly issued by the Ohanaeze Youth Forum, which claimed that Dr. Ukeagu had compromised his neutrality by engaging in partisan relationships. This has raised concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections in the South-East region of Nigeria. The Ohanaeze Youth Council has rejected any association with the statement, emphasizing that its name and identity must not be used by individuals seeking to advance political interests or discredit public officials.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council has suggested that individuals sympathetic to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, may be behind the campaign against Dr. Ukeagu. The Council has called for caution, urging the public not to accept unverified allegations as facts. According to the Council, the attempt to link its name with allegations against Dr. Ukeagu raises serious concerns about using ethnic and socio-cultural platforms to advance partisan narratives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Council stressed that organizations associated with Ohanaeze must not be used for political intimidation, character assassination, or spreading claims that could undermine public confidence in electoral institutions. The Council has urged political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint and refrain from involving traditional, cultural, and youth organizations in political disputes.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council has also called on the relevant authorities to investigate the alleged misuse of its identity and identify those responsible for issuing the contentious statement. The Council reaffirmed the importance of protecting the integrity of INEC and ensuring that public discourse surrounding the 2027 elections is guided by facts, responsibility, and respect for democratic institutions.
The Council emphasized that any concerns about the conduct of an electoral official should be addressed through credible evidence and appropriate institutional channels, rather than unsubstantiated allegations or politically charged campaigns. The Council has urged members of the public to disregard statements falsely attributed to it and to seek clarification from its recognized leadership before accepting or circulating publications purportedly issued in its name.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council's statement has highlighted the need for vigilance and responsibility in public discourse, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The Council's efforts to distance itself from the allegations against Dr. Ukeagu underscore the importance of protecting the integrity of electoral institutions and ensuring that public discussions are guided by facts and a commitment to democratic values.
Key points
- The Ohanaeze Youth Ndigbo Worldwide has distanced itself from a statement allegedly issued by the Ohanaeze Youth Forum (OYF) questioning the neutrality of INEC Commissioner Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu.
- The Council has suggested that individuals sympathetic to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, may be behind the campaign against Dr. Ukeagu.
- The Ohanaeze Youth Council has called on the relevant authorities to investigate the alleged misuse of its identity and identify those responsible for issuing the contentious statement.
