The leadership of Umuahia Premier Club, Umuahia Branch, has denied endorsing a candidate contesting for the Federal House of Representatives. In a statement signed by the Branch Chairman, Premier Ako Obioma, and Branch Secretary, Premier Chuka Agomoh, the club described the purported endorsement as unauthorised and contrary to its non-partisan tradition. The club was founded as a socio-cultural, non-partisan organisation aimed at promoting fraternity and peaceful coexistence.
According to the statement, the club's attention was drawn to the alleged endorsement reported to have been made during its monthly general meeting on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The leadership stressed that the club does not have the mandate to endorse partisan political candidates, as doing so could create division among members with different political affiliations and preferences. The club acknowledged that the candidate allegedly endorsed is a member of the club and has the right to pursue political office.
The club's leadership noted that the candidate's membership does not give the club a basis to support his political ambition. It further noted that other individuals contesting the same elective position are also indigenes of communities within the areas the club seeks to unite, making an endorsement of one candidate potentially exclusionary. The statement raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the meeting where the alleged endorsement was reportedly made.
The leadership said the gathering was convened as a monthly general meeting and was not authorised as a political meeting or forum for endorsing candidates. It alleged that the Branch Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Legal Adviser, as well as four national officers from the branch, were absent from the meeting. The club further claimed that the meeting was held at the residence of the candidate concerned.
The club's leadership said the circumstances surrounding the preparation and circulation of the alleged endorsement were being investigated. It warned that any member or individual found to have deliberately misrepresented the position of the club, acted without authority or damaged its reputation could face disciplinary measures in accordance with the club's constitution and established procedures.
The leadership directed anyone who circulated the purported endorsement to immediately withdraw it and declared all existing publications, statements, endorsements or communications purporting to represent the club's endorsement of a political candidate as null and void. The statement clarified that only the Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations Officer are authorised to issue official publications on behalf of the club or branch.
The leadership called on members to remain calm and avoid inflammatory statements, confrontations or counter-mobilisation, warning against actions that could lead to factionalism within the club. It reaffirmed that members remain free to pursue their individual political ambitions and affiliations, but insisted that the corporate identity of Umuahia Premier Club must remain insulated from partisan political activities.
Key points
- Umuahia Premier Club denies endorsing a candidate for the Federal House of Representatives.
- The club cites its non-partisan tradition as the reason for denying the endorsement.
- The leadership warns members against actions that could lead to factionalism within the club.
