ON THE PROPOSED CLAN-LEVEL POLL FOR THE 2027 IKWUANO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ELECTION
We, the undersigned Labour Party leaders, elected representatives, and stakeholders from Ibere Clan, consider it necessary to formally state our position regarding the reported decision by the leadership of Ibere Clan Development Union to conduct a poll involving candidates contesting for the Ikwuano State Constituency seat under different political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Having carefully considered the implications of this development, we wish to express our disagreement with any arrangement that seeks to impose a clan-level electoral process on candidates who are participating in the 2027 general elections under their respective political parties.
We respectfully maintain that the Ibere Clan Development Union, like other community development organisations and traditional institutions, has an important responsibility in promoting unity, peace, and development. However, its community leadership functions should be distinguished from the statutory responsibilities of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the electoral process.
The emergence, nomination, screening, and recognition of candidates must be guided by the relevant party procedures and applicable electoral laws. Consequently, any proposal asking a candidate to withdraw, step down, or surrender an established political ambition through an informal clan poll raises legitimate concerns about party autonomy, democratic participation, and the rights of candidates.
We therefore dissociate ourselves from any communique or declaration suggesting that a particular candidate has been selected by Ibere Clan as the sole candidate for the 2027 Ikwuano State Constituency election through such an arrangement.
Our position is that political participation must be governed by due process, not imposed consensus.
We further acknowledge the candidacy of Hon. Engr. Boniface N. Isienyi, the Labour Party candidate for Ikwuano State Constituency, and the party’s commitment to participating in the 2027 electoral process in accordance with its established structures and applicable regulations.
The Labour Party will continue its political consultations and campaign engagements across the four clans of Ikwuano, recognising that the decision on who represents the constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly ultimately belongs to the entire electorate of Ikwuano.
It is important to emphasise that Ibere Clan alone does not constitute the entire voting population of Ikwuano. Candidates from all four clans have the right to engage voters across the local government area, present their programmes, and seek the mandate of the electorate.
We must also learn from previous electoral experiences. During the 2023 general elections, multiple candidates from Oloko Clan participated in the contest for the State House of Assembly seat, yet the electorate ultimately determined the winner through the established electoral process. This demonstrates the importance of allowing democratic competition to take its natural course.
Elections should be contests of ideas, programmes, political engagement, and popular support—not a source of hostility, division, or conflict among brothers and sisters.
We consequently call on all political leaders, traditional institutions, development unions, youth organisations, and stakeholders in Ibere Clan to exercise restraint, respect differing political opinions, and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within our communities.
Our political differences must never undermine our common identity, shared heritage, and collective aspiration for the development of Ibere Clan.
We reaffirm our commitment to the constitution, guidelines, and lawful directives of the Labour Party, including its State Working Committee (SWC) and National Working Committee (NWC), as well as the applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Let every political party and its candidates pursue their legitimate electoral activities, while allowing the people of Ikwuano to freely exercise their democratic rights at the appropriate time.
IBERE UNITY MUST REMAIN SACRED. DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS MUST BE RESPECTED. PEACE MUST BE PRESERVED.
LABOUR PARTY — FORWARD EVER!
FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER!
SIGNATORIES
1. Hon. Awuwa Lucky C. — Deputy Executive Mayor, Ikwuano LGA.
2. Hon. Osinachi H. Nwaka — Director General:Ministry of Finance incorporated (MOFI)
3. Hon. Sunday Okoro Uche — Councillor, Ibere Ward 2.
4. Hon. Chidiebere Chikezie — Councillor, Ibere Ward 1.
5. Hon. Collins Aham Azuonwu — Secretary, Labour Party, Ikwuano LGA.
6. Hon. Pastor Emeka Ogbonna — Supervisor for Agriculture.
7. Mr. Chidiebere Oriuwa — Ward 1 Party Chairman.
8. Mr. Israel Uwanna — Ward 2 Party Chairman.
9. Chief Sunny Chigbu — Stakeholder, Ibere Clan.
10. Deacon Christian Nwakauwa — Stakeholder, Ibere Clan.
ISSUED BY:
Labour Party Leaders and Stakeholders, Ibere Clan.
