By Isaac Mission
The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly has rejected claims that members of the Izzi community, particularly the Unwueru Kindred, have collectively decided to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group described the claim, reportedly attributed to former Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Government, Chief Emmanuel Igwe, as an attempt to introduce “kindred politics” into the political affairs of the Izzi people.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the National President of the youth assembly, Odii Njoku, said the organisation initially had no intention of responding to the allegation. He explained that the group was compelled to speak out to prevent what it described as misinformation from creating unnecessary tension within the community.
Igwe had reportedly claimed that the Unwueru Kindred had taken a position to support the PDP.
Njoku, however, disputed the claim, saying the people of Unwueru were satisfied with the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru and had continued to support his bid for another term in office.
The youth leader also questioned Igwe’s authority to speak on behalf of the Izzi people, alleging that he was not an indigene of Izzi. He advised Igwe to focus his political activities on his Ezzagu community and explain to residents there what his preferred political candidate intends to offer.
The group further accused the former Special Assistant of attempting to create political divisions within Izzi, which it described as a peaceful and welcoming community.
Njoku also made allegations about Igwe’s previous appointments in the state government. He claimed that his tenure as Special Assistant on Park Development was associated with controversies that allegedly caused divisions in some communities.
The youth assembly similarly alleged that Igwe’s activities while serving as Special Assistant on Land Development generated controversy over land matters, including claims that some individuals were left stranded following financial transactions.
The allegations have not been independently established in the report.
The group also criticised Igwe for allegedly promoting the PDP governorship candidate from Abuja through social media without sufficiently engaging with voters in his home community.
It challenged him to return to Ebonyi State and campaign directly at his polling unit if he believed he enjoyed significant political support.
“Let him come to Ebonyi State and campaign for his candidate. Let him tell the people what his candidate will do for them instead of making statements from Abuja,” the group said.
The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly subsequently urged residents of Izzi to disregard what it termed political propaganda and remain supportive of Governor Nwifuru, citing his administration’s infrastructure projects and human capital development initiatives.
Njoku also praised Nwifuru and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, saying both politicians had contributed to the development of Ebonyi and represented the interests of their constituents.
He said the governor’s projects had extended across the state’s three senatorial districts and noted that his administration had also demonstrated commitment to addressing some challenges affecting the Izzi people.
On Nwebonyi, Njoku said the senator had demonstrated what he described as capacity, trust and effective representation in the senatorial district.
The youth assembly finally appealed to political actors and residents to avoid allowing partisan disagreements to threaten the peace and unity of the Izzi people as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.