A faction of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, warned all political actors in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, especially Governor Chukwuma Soludo, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his Deputy, Uche Ekwunife, to play by the rules through issue-based political campaigns rather than propaganda.
In a statement in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the Deputy President General of the Ohanaeze faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that this distressing trend of engendering hate speech and broadcasting calumnies not only tarnishes the collective image of the Igbo Nation but also represents a significant departure from the hallmark of dignity and respect that our people are known for.
He added that their continuous descent into the vile pit of vulgarities and vituperations against political opponents is unbecoming of esteemed individuals. He noted that this demonstrates a blatant disregard for the cultural tenets of integrity and decorum that the Igbo people hold dear.
“Without hesitation, the Ohanaeze firmly holds Soludo accountable for instigating this repugnant campaign of slander against his political adversaries. It is our duty to urge him to refrain from resorting to derogatory slogans and mockery,” he said.
Isiguzoro made it very clear that Ohanaeze remains politically neutral in the forthcoming elections and does not endorse any particular candidate, stating that should Soludo, his wife, Ukachukwu, and his running mate persist in their unscrupulous campaign tactics, we will be compelled to reconsider our stance.
Ohanaeze feels compelled by its foundational mission to address the unsettling behaviour exhibited by prominent political figures, specifically targeting the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate and current Anambra Governor, Soludo; his wife, Nnonye; APC deputy gubernatorial candidate, Iyom Uche Ekwunife, and the APC gubernatorial candidate, Ukachukwu.
