Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned Governor Chukwuma Soludo his wife, Nonye, Uche Ekwunife, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC Governorship Candidate, against engaging in “disgraceful content creations and dirty politicking”.
The apex Igbo sociocultural group said the conduct of the politicians ahead of the November 9 governorship election is “abhorrent” and a departure from the hallmark of dignity that the Igbo people are known for.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General, and Chinemeze Ohia, National Spokesman, Ohanaeze described the campaigns as divisive and laced with propaganda.
The group said it is compelled to intervene due to the “unsettling behaviour” of the politicians, particularly Governor Soludo, whom it accused of instigating “a repugnant campaign of slander” against his opponents.
Part of the statement read: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels compelled by its foundational mission to address the unsettling behaviour exhibited by prominent political figures.
“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.”
The group condemned the verbal exchanges between Nonye Soludo and Ekwunife, describing them as “a lamentable affront to both motherhood and womanhood”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly holds Governor Soludo accountable for instigating this repugnant campaign of slander against his political adversaries.
“We categorically condemn the egregious verbal attacks exchanged between Governor Soludo’s wife and Senator Uche Ekwunife; such disgraceful behaviour constitutes a lamentable affront to both motherhood and womanhood, and, as leaders, they must rise above this pettiness,” the group said.
Ohanaeze said it remains politically neutral in the forthcoming election but warned that if the politicians continue with “unscrupulous campaign tactics”, the organisation may be forced to endorse a neutral candidate to quell the “shameful spectacle”.
“It becomes evident that continued participation in such a disgraceful charade raises serious questions about the moral and ethical qualifications of these candidates to govern the people of Anambra State,” it added.
The group called on the candidates to return to issue-based campaigns and preserve the dignity of Anambra politics.
