Ebonyi 2027: Youth Group Questions Political Candidates and Signs Peace Accord

Political candidates vying for elective positions in Ebonyi State’s 2027 general elections were examined over the weekend when the Ohaukwu Youth General Assembly hosted an interactive forum. Aspirants presented their plans and signed a peace accord pledging violence‑free campaigns.

The event took place at Grace Garden and Event Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and brought together candidates for various offices, youth leaders, community stakeholders and security agencies. Organisers said the gathering aimed to foster peaceful political engagement and accountable leadership ahead of the elections.

Speaking to participants, Emmanuel Onah, National President of the Ohaukwu Youth Assembly, explained that the forum was intended to give youths a direct platform to interact with political aspirants and evaluate their ability to represent effectively.

Onah noted that the Assembly is the first youth organisation to unite young people from the Ezzamgbo, Ngbo, Effium and Ezza‑Effium communities under one umbrella.

He added that the organisation has worked hard to curb cult activities, drug abuse and youth restiveness in the area, stressing that the peace currently enjoyed must not be jeopardised by political campaigning.

All participating candidates signed a peace accord, promising to conduct their campaigns peacefully and to ensure their supporters refrain from violence or acts that could disrupt public order.

“We want a situation where our mothers can sleep with their two eyes closed. We want development, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. That is why we invited all the candidates to tell the youths what they have to offer before seeking their votes,” he said.

The youth leader expressed disappointment at the absence of some invited aspirants, saying their refusal to attend could be seen as a disregard for the youths whose votes they seek.

He maintained that the programme was open to candidates from all political parties and was conducted under adequate security arrangements approved by relevant agencies.

During the engagement, Barrister Tochukwu Ogalagu, popularly known as T‑Man and candidate for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, identified unemployment as a major cause of insecurity and social unrest among young people.

He argued that meaningful youth engagement through employment opportunities would significantly reduce violence and criminal activity.

“The first thing a representative ought to do is to take youths off the streets. When youths are gainfully employed, there will be no war. What we are offering is not rice or handouts but opportunities for employment and empowerment,” he said.

Ogalagu promised to prioritise job creation, educational scholarships, skills acquisition programmes and infrastructure development if elected.

He also pledged to sponsor postgraduate education for qualified youths across the constituency and to support women through cassava‑processing initiatives and access to soft loans.

APGA candidate for Ohaukwu South State Constituency, Chief Onyeoma Kelechi, also addressed the gathering, highlighting his record in education and youth empowerment.

He said he had established educational institutions and scholarship schemes through his foundation and would expand such interventions if elected.

Kelechi noted that legislative representation extends beyond lawmaking to include effective oversight and ensuring that government projects are properly executed for the benefit of the people.

He assured constituents that he would champion policies capable of creating employment opportunities and improving governance.

For his part, Barrister Christopher Ajagba, candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) for Ohaukwu North State Constituency, identified peacebuilding as a major priority for the constituency.

He lamented the prolonged Effium and Ezza‑Effium crisis and other communal disputes affecting parts of the area, saying sustainable development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.

Ajagba pledged to pursue initiatives that would promote reconciliation, stability, employment and empowerment across the constituency.

Similarly, Mr Sebastian Valentine Odono, NDC candidate for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, urged voters to assess candidates based on competence, vision and capacity to deliver.

Odono, who described himself as a newcomer to partisan politics, unveiled a six‑point agenda centred on effective representation, education, agriculture, youth development and economic empowerment.

He promised to attract modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity and support farmers in transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.

Labour Party candidate for Ohaukwu North State Constituency, Comrade Christian Mayor Iduma, stressed the need for visionary leadership capable of attracting development partners and opportunities to the area.

He said his campaign was anchored on a “healing mandate” aimed at restoring lasting peace, particularly in communities affected by conflicts.

Iduma urged young people to place competence and character above political party affiliations when making electoral choices.

In his remarks, APGA candidate for Ohaukwu North State Constituency, Mr Kenneth Onwe, said grassroots development would remain at the centre of his legislative agenda.

He cited several interventions already undertaken through his foundation, including educational support programmes and assistance to widows and vulnerable groups.

Onwe pledged to collaborate with development agencies to attract projects and improve living conditions across the constituency.

A guest speaker at the event, Barrister Mishael Elom, warned against the misuse of social media and cautioned youths on the legal implications of cyberbullying, defamation and invasion of privacy.

He urged participants to embrace issue‑based politics and avoid actions capable of inciting hatred or damaging the reputation of others.

According to him, the responsible use of digital platforms is essential for peaceful coexistence and the deepening of democratic values.