The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has criticised comments credited to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi, insisting that no individual can decide the political direction of the South-East.
The group was reacting to reports that Umahi urged people of the South-East not to vote for Obi in the upcoming general election, while maintaining that he was not attacking the former Anambra State governor.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, His Lordship Alpha Justice Ikpeama, UNIEC said political decisions in Igboland have always been based on consultation and individual choice, not directives from any single leader.
“As a non-partisan consultative, advisory and policy institution, UNIEC Worldwide does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate,” the council stated.
The group stressed that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freely choose any political party or candidate without pressure or intimidation.
“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, every citizen has the fundamental right to freely choose the political party or candidate of his or her choice without coercion, intimidation, undue influence or external direction,” it said.
UNIEC further argued that no public office holder has the constitutional, traditional or moral authority to dictate how the people of the South-East should vote.
“The Igbo people have, throughout history, been recognised for their republican philosophy, independent judgment and consultative tradition. Decisions affecting the future of the people have never been the exclusive preserve of any individual,” the statement read.
The council urged political leaders to avoid statements capable of creating unnecessary tension ahead of the 2027 elections and encouraged campaigns to focus on policies, competence and performance rather than political rhetoric.
It also advised Nigerians, particularly those in the South-East, to remain peaceful and make their electoral choices based on integrity, competence, vision, security, economic development and commitment to constitutional governance.
UNIEC warned that personal political interests should never override the democratic rights of citizens, calling on leaders to respect the freedom of voters to make independent decisions.
