Youth leaders from Ibeku have called on political stakeholders and aspirants in the Ikwuano/Umuahia political space to move away from clan-based politics and make development, competence and effective representation the central issues in the 2027 electoral contest.
The youth leaders made the call while discussing the emerging political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. They argued that political campaigns should be centred on ideas, track records, development priorities and the ability of candidates to effectively represent the interests of the entire constituency.
The group also declared its support for the second-term ambition of Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
According to the youth leaders, political representation should not be determined primarily by clan, village or sectional considerations. They noted that the federal constituency comprises numerous communities with diverse interests that require inclusive and collective representation.
They urged all candidates seeking elective positions to clearly present their programmes, legislative priorities, development records and plans to the electorate, allowing voters to assess the different options based on issues and measurable commitments.
“Let the Issues Speak”
The Ibeku youth leaders encouraged politicians preparing for the 2027 elections to engage directly with voters on critical issues affecting the constituency, including infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, security and quality legislative representation.
They said voters should have the opportunity to examine what each candidate has achieved in the past, what they intend to accomplish if elected and how their proposed programmes would affect communities across Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South.
Their position comes as political activities continue to gather momentum in the federal constituency ahead of the 2027 elections. Aguocha has also been reported as the Labour Party candidate for the constituency following the party’s 2026 primaries.
Explaining their support for Aguocha, the youth leaders said their position was based on their assessment of his representation and engagement with constituents rather than clan affiliation.
They described their appeal as part of an effort to promote political maturity and unity, arguing that the long-term development of the constituency should take priority over sectional political calculations.
Support for Aguocha’s 2027 Bid
The Ibeku youth leaders further expressed their readiness to mobilise support for Aguocha’s 2027 bid while urging other aspirants and candidates to campaign on verifiable records, policy proposals and practical development programmes.
They maintained that the 2027 election would provide voters with an opportunity to compare the records, ideas and commitments of the various candidates before making their individual choices.
The group also noted that Aguocha has previously spoken publicly about the importance of issue-based political engagement within the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
As political activities intensify, the youth leaders appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to maintain peace and avoid rhetoric that could create unnecessary divisions among communities.
They stressed that Ibeku and other communities across the federal constituency share common interests in the development of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South.
The youth leaders said they would continue engaging young people and other stakeholders on the importance of peaceful participation, issue-based campaigns and responsible political leadership.
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They concluded by reaffirming their support for Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha’s 2027 bid while calling on all candidates to allow their records, ideas and programmes not clan or sectional sentiments to form the basis of their campaigns.
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