Southeast Nigeria leaders urge political engagement and security

Leaders in Southeast Nigeria are calling for increased political engagement and improved security measures to safeguard democratic processes in the region.

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, urged the Igbo community to match the energy spent on local traditional leadership elections with equal attention to state and local government elections. He emphasized that civic participation should include examining candidate records and engaging on community issues to ensure responsible governance.

Simultaneously, Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chairman of the Igbo Agenda Dialogue, warned of rising political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Okorie called on Southeast governors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, to convene an emergency meeting to address attacks on opposition gatherings and the intimidation of political opponents. He cautioned that the struggle for power must be won through the ballot box rather than through conquest or anarchy.