2027: COALITION OF NON-INDIGENES IN IKWUANO/UMUAHIA CONDEMNS ALLEGED ATTACK ON IKECHUKWU KELVIN, CALLS FOR PEACEFUL CAMPAIGN

UMUAHIA,
ABIA STATE

The Coalition of Non-Indigenes in Ikwuano/Umuahia has strongly condemned what it described as a needless attack and alleged threat to the life of Mr Ikechukwu Kelvin Okerie by Mr Promise Nwokeocha in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

Coalition of Non-indigenes in Ikwuano/Umuahia Condemns Alleged Attack on Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie, Calls for Peaceful Campaign

The coalition expressed concern over a statement allegedly published by Mr Nwokeocha on his Facebook page on October 27, 2026, which it described as discriminatory, inflammatory and capable of creating unnecessary tension among residents of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.

The group comprises the Youth Chairman of Ebonyi Indigenes in Umuahia, Mr Emmanuel Ituonye; Chairman of the Yoruba Community in Umuahia, Mr Olaitan Adekoya; Youth Chairman of All States Non-Indigenes, Mr Igwulo Patrick Chimaobi; representatives of the Hausa community and other relevant stakeholders.

In a communiqué delivered by Mr Igwulo Patrick Chimaobi, the coalition expressed sadness over the statement attributed to Mr Nwokeocha, which it considered an attempt to intimidate one of its members and discourage non-indigenes from participating in political discourse within the constituency.

The statement credited to Mr Nwokeocha, in part, reads:

“If there is anyone to question the political achievements of Obi Aguocha, it should have been the indigenous people of the land. Ikechukwu Kelvin Okerie, maybe in your head, you think that you are falling down a rabbit hole in Abia, abandoning your own state where several governance issues are calling for your attention.

“The good people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South are requesting that you desist from calling out the name of Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, MHR (Udo Ji Agu). You should rather go to your own state, Ebonyi, and request for project accounts from your own member representing in the chambers. Until when that is done, you can return to your rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Akachalam.”

Promise Nwokocha Facebook post discriminating Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie

Reacting to the statement, the coalition unanimously condemned what it described as a plot to stereotype and threaten one of its members on account of his political views, quest for accountability and state of origin.

The group maintained that every Nigerian citizen has the constitutional right to reside, work, express political opinions, seek for qualitative representation and participate in democratic activities in any part of the country without intimidation or discrimination.

The communiqué stated:

“We, the entire members of the non-indigenes of Umuahia and law-abiding citizens of Nigeria residing in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, hereby state as follows:

  1. Mr Ikechukwu Kelvin Okerie was born and brought up in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
  2. He has remained a law-abiding citizen, contributing his quota to the development of Umuahia North LGA and Abia State in general.
  3. We unanimously condemn in strong terms the needless attack, stereotyping and alleged threat of violence against one of our own in the name of political campaigning.
  4. We call on our democratic Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to investigate the alleged threat and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to book in accordance with the law.
  5. We urge Mr Promise Nwokeocha to engage his political opponents through issue-based campaigns during the build-up to the 2027 general elections, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  6. We call on all political stakeholders to promote peace, mutual respect and equal political participation for all eligible voters, irrespective of their ethnic background or state of origin.”

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Mr Emmanuel Ituonye recalled the tragic killing of Mr Kelvin’s mother, who was reportedly shot dead in Umuahia some years ago.

He expressed concern over the alleged threat against Mr Kelvin and urged politicians, their supporters and residents of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency to embrace peace, tolerance and responsible political engagement.

Ituonye stressed that non-indigenes who have lived, worked and contributed to the development of the constituency deserve a level playing field in the democratic process.

He further noted that non-indigenes constitute a significant voting population in Umuahia and should not be subjected to intimidation, redicule and discrimination because of their state of origin.

The coalition reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all political actors to focus on qualitative and quantitative analysis, accountability, governance and the welfare of the people as the 2027 general elections approach.

It warned that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Ikwuano/Umuahia.
@Ikuku media team