UNIEC WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR PEACE AND DEMOCRATIC FREEDOM IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA Peaceful Elections • Fair Campaigns • Justice • Accountability Igbo votes must be won through trust, not fear.

UNIEC WORLDWIDE REACTS TO CALL FOR PEACE, SECURITY AND DEMOCRATIC FREEDOM IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL NEWS COMMENTARY

Protecting Igbo Unity, Electoral Democracy and the Peaceful Future of Alaigbo

ENUGU, NIGERIA — 13 OCTOBER 2026

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has noted the statement by Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chairman of Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD), expressing concern about Southeast Nigeria’s security situation and urging governors to prevent political disagreements from degenerating into violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

UNIEC considers these concerns important to public safety, democratic participation and the collective future of Ndigbo. Responsible elder-statesmanship, however, requires verification of allegations, objective assessment and constructive engagement.

1. DEMOCRACY MUST NOT BECOME CONQUEST

UNIEC maintains that political power must be pursued through the ballot box, not intimidation, violence or suppression of opponents. Political parties and candidates must be able to campaign peacefully within the law.

The Council urges political leaders to reject thuggery, inflammatory rhetoric and attempts to transform electoral competition into physical confrontation.

2. A CALL FOR URGENT ACTION BY SOUTHEAST GOVERNORS

UNIEC encourages Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, and his colleagues to convene urgent consultations with security agencies, political parties, traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society.

Priorities should include preventive security, protection of lawful public gatherings, impartial investigations of reported attacks and accountability for anyone found responsible.

Allegations of political violence, sponsorship or security failures must be independently investigated rather than treated as established facts without credible evidence.

3. FAIR CAMPAIGN CONDITIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Concerns about campaign costs, billboard charges and access to political spaces deserve transparent examination. Relevant authorities should ensure that fees are lawful, reasonable, publicly stated and fairly administered.

Destroying opponents’ billboards or property is equally unacceptable. Political disagreements must be resolved through lawful channels, not retaliation.

4. THE WISDOM OF OUR ELDERS

An Igbo proverb teaches: “Okenye anaghị anọ n'ụlọ ewu amụọ onye.” An elder should not remain passive when responsibility calls for intervention.

Leaders must address credible warning signs early, investigate troubling developments and prevent avoidable conflict.

Another proverb says: “Egbe bere, ugo bere; nke si ibe ya ebena, nku kwaa ya.” Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch. Its lesson is coexistence, mutual respect and recognition of others’ rightful space.

5. HISTORY MUST TEACH US THE VALUE OF PEACE

The Nigerian Civil War left deep scars across the former Eastern Region, and its human consequences remain part of Igbo historical memory.

UNIEC believes this history must strengthen our commitment to peace, justice, reconciliation and the protection of human life—not hatred or renewed conflict.

Federal and state authorities must protect every Nigerian without discrimination and enforce the law impartially, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

6. UNIEC’S MESSAGE TO NDIGBO

As the 2027 elections approach, Ndigbo must remain vigilant, peaceful and committed to protecting their democratic rights through lawful participation.

Political leaders must understand that victories secured through intimidation cannot command lasting public confidence. Security agencies must remain professional and impartial, while citizens reject rumours, provocation and retaliatory violence.

UNIEC calls for responsible leadership, transparent investigations, fair campaign conditions and urgent preventive action wherever credible threats emerge.

Igbo votes must be won through trust, service and persuasion—not conquest or fear. Let wisdom guide our leaders, justice govern our institutions, and peace protect our people.

ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • MANY VOICES • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council.