The Arewa Youth Council, Middle Belt and Ohanaeze youths have warned supporters of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma against alleged attempts to intimidate or discredit Dr Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner overseeing Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states.
The groups cautioned that political attacks against electoral officials, particularly without credible evidence, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and heighten tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, Thursday, signed by their Lead Convener, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, the groups also expressed confidence in INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, urging Nigerians to support the commission’s efforts to deliver credible, transparent and peaceful elections.
Their reaction followed a statement attributed to a group identified as the Ohanaeze Youth Forum, which questioned the credibility of the 2027 elections in the South-East over allegations of partisanship against Ukeagu.
The youth groups, however, dissociated themselves from attempts to use socio-cultural organisations to advance partisan interests, fuel controversy or undermine confidence in the electoral umpire.
They insisted that allegations against public officials must be substantiated with credible evidence and addressed through established institutional channels rather than inflammatory statements, personal attacks or threats.
“Enough is enough. No individual or political group should be allowed to intimidate, malign or subject an electoral official to unnecessary attacks simply because of political disagreements or unsubstantiated allegations,” the groups declared.
They urged supporters of Uzodimma and other political actors to exercise restraint, warning against actions capable of escalating political tensions or deepening divisions before the elections.
According to the groups, electoral credibility is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among political parties, electoral officials, civil society organisations and the public.
They maintained that electoral officials must be allowed to discharge their constitutional duties without intimidation, political pressure or campaigns intended to damage their credibility.
The groups further called on Nigerians to support Amupitan’s leadership and efforts to strengthen INEC’s independence, transparency and institutional credibility.
They said the 2027 elections should be guided by fairness, peace, due process and respect for democratic institutions, rather than political hostility or attempts to discredit individuals without verifiable evidence.
The statement warned that inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks against electoral officials could erode public trust and aggravate political tensions, urging stakeholders to place national interest above partisan considerations.
The groups reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful democratic participation and called on young Nigerians to reject political intimidation and support an electoral process governed by evidence, the law and due process.
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