The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly (ESYA) has called on political parties in Ebonyi State to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging politicians and their supporters to play by the rules and protect lives and property irrespective of political affiliation.
The socio-political organisation made the call in a statement issued in Abakaliki during the weekend and signed by its National President, Comrade Odii Njoku.
ESYA urged political parties and their candidates to maintain peace, decorum and civility throughout the campaign period, stressing that the lives and property of all residents of the state remain important regardless of their political affiliations.
The group commended what it described as the peaceful disposition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and called on other political parties to emulate the approach in conducting their campaigns.
According to the Assembly, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has promoted peace and unity in Ebonyi State, warning that any attempt to undermine the existing peace would be strongly resisted through lawful means by Ebonyi youths.
ESYA also praised the state APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, for what it described as his peaceful coordination of the party during the recently concluded local government elections in the state.
The group said the local government elections were among the most peaceful and transparent since the creation of Ebonyi State, expressing hope that the experience would be sustained ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement urged political parties to operate within the ambit of the law and challenged candidates, particularly first-time contestants, to make their campaigns issue-based by telling the electorate what they intend to do for the people of Ebonyi State.
The Assembly also referenced Governor Nwifuru’s expected bid for re-election, saying his achievements should speak for him and enable the electorate to determine whether he deserves another term.
It further appealed to political parties to educate their supporters against violence and taking the law into their own hands.
ESYA warned that it would explore all lawful means against any political party whose supporters engage in violent activities, stressing that peace remains essential to the state’s development.
“Ebonyi is a peaceful state, and we should sustain it because no meaningful development can take place in the absence of peace,” the group said.
While reiterating its commendation of the APC’s conduct during the council polls, the Assembly called on other political parties to emulate Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha’s leadership style and ensure that the 2027 electoral process remains peaceful and free from violence.
The group maintained that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the peace, security and development of Ebonyi State.
