UNIEC WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR PEACE, POLITICAL FAIRNESS AND AN END TO VIOLENCE IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA AHEAD OF THE 2027 ELECTIONS.

UNIEC WORLDWIDE REACTS TO CHIEF CHEKWAS OKORIE’S WARNING AGAINST POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL NEWS COMMENTARY

Protecting Igbo Unity, Democratic Rights, Public Safety and the Peaceful Future of Alaigbo

ENUGU, NIGERIA — 14 OCTOBER 2026

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has noted the statement issued by Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chairman of Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD), on 13 October 2026, warning Southeast governors against allowing the region to become a theatre of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

UNIEC considers the concerns raised about public safety, political competition, campaign conditions and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights worthy of serious attention. The Council, however, emphasises that responsible elder-statesmanship requires objective assessment, verification of allegations and constructive engagement.

1. DEMOCRACY MUST BE DEFENDED, NOT SUBVERTED

UNIEC Worldwide maintains that political power must be pursued through peaceful democratic participation and the ballot box, not intimidation, violence or the suppression of political opponents.

Every law-abiding political party and candidate should have a fair opportunity to campaign, organise lawful gatherings and communicate with voters. No individual or political organisation should claim exclusive ownership of the political space.

The Council therefore urges political leaders, supporters and stakeholders to reject political thuggery, inflammatory rhetoric, destruction of property and every attempt to undermine the electoral process.

2. SOUTHEAST GOVERNORS MUST ACT PREVENTIVELY

UNIEC encourages Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, and his colleagues to strengthen regional consultations on security and democratic participation.

The governors should engage security agencies, political parties, traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations to identify emerging risks and develop preventive measures.

Reports of attacks on political gatherings, injuries, loss of life or intimidation should receive prompt, impartial investigation. Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face the consequences prescribed by law.

Nevertheless, allegations concerning perpetrators, sponsors or official complicity must be investigated rather than accepted as established facts without credible evidence.

3. FAIR CAMPAIGN CONDITIONS ARE ESSENTIAL

Concerns about campaign billboard charges and unequal access to political advertising deserve transparent examination. Relevant authorities should ensure that applicable fees are lawful, reasonable, publicly disclosed and fairly administered.

Equally, opposition parties and their supporters must not respond to perceived unfairness by destroying the property or campaign materials of others. Such retaliation can deepen mistrust and provoke avoidable conflict.

Political competition must be governed by law, fairness and mutual respect.

4. THE LESSON OF IGBO HISTORY

The Nigerian Civil War inflicted profound suffering and destruction on the former Eastern Region. Its painful legacy remains an important reminder of the human cost of violent conflict.

UNIEC believes that this history should inspire vigilance, reconciliation, justice and the protection of human life—not renewed hostility or fear.

Our elders teach us: “Okenye anaghị anọ n'ụlọ ewu amụọ onye.” An elder should not remain passive when responsibility calls for intervention.

This wisdom calls upon leaders and stakeholders to recognise credible warning signs, act promptly and prevent avoidable crises before they escalate.

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

5. OUR MESSAGE TO NDIGBO AND NIGERIAN LEADERS

UNIEC calls on Ndigbo to remain vigilant, peaceful and committed to protecting their democratic rights through lawful participation. Citizens should reject provocation, rumours, political intimidation and retaliatory violence.

Federal and state authorities must protect citizens without discrimination and ensure that security agencies discharge their duties professionally and impartially.

As the 2027 elections approach, leaders must understand that public confidence is earned through service, persuasion, accountability and respect for the electorate—not coercion.

Igbo votes must be won through trust, service and persuasion, never through conquest or fear.

UNIEC Worldwide calls for responsible leadership, fair electoral conditions, transparent investigations and sustained dialogue to preserve peace and democratic freedom throughout Southeast Nigeria.

Let wisdom guide our leaders, justice govern our institutions, and peace protect our people. The future of Alaigbo must be secured through unity, democratic participation and responsible elder-statesmanship.

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

SIGNED BY:

His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

PUBLISHED BY: NDIGBO WORLDWIDE MEDIA.COM

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