A respected traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, HRH Eze Paul Ogodo Egbe (Mgbomeze II) of Agalegu Ishieke Autonomous Community, Ebonyi Local Government Area, has urged political stakeholders to avoid actions capable of causing disunity among families and communities as the 2027 general elections approach.
The monarch made the appeal in a statement titled, “Advice from the Palace of a Concerned Traditional Ruler to All Political Stakeholders in Ebonyi State Ahead of 2027,” expressing concern over rising political tension and growing hostility among political actors in the state.
Eze Egbe expressed concern over what he described as growing divisions within the Izhi Clan, warning that political interests and ambitions should never be allowed to undermine family unity, communal peace, and long-standing relationships among kinsmen.
He emphasized that elections and political contests are temporary, whereas family and community bonds remain long after political seasons have passed.
"As we approach the 2027 general elections, I see signs of tension in our land. I hear harsh words and perceive growing acrimony within various political circles. I see our Izhi Clan, which shares one ancestry, increasingly divided along kindred lines and by unnecessary name-calling. This worries me deeply,” he stated.
The traditional ruler called on members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and other political parties to prioritize the peace, unity, and development of Ebonyi State above partisan considerations.
He noted that political parties serve as platforms for governance and should not be used to promote hatred, division, or conflict among the people.
“Ebonyi State, our farmlands, our markets, and the future of our children constitute the real destination. Political parties are only vehicles. No party should burn down the house simply to obtain the keys. Let us disagree without becoming enemies,” he advised.
Eze Egbe urged politicians and their supporters to refrain from actions and utterances capable of creating lasting rifts within families and communities.
"Politics will end after the elections, but your brother, your cousin, and your in-law will remain. Do not say today what will make you ashamed to attend the same family gathering or funeral tomorrow,” he said.
He also decried the increasing use of personal attacks, abusive language, and character assassination in political discourse, stressing that democracy should be driven by ideas, policies, competence, and development-oriented debates.
“A person with sound ideas does not need insults. When we attack personalities instead of policies, we tell the world that we have little or nothing meaningful to offer,” he added.
The monarch urged political leaders to exhibit restraint, maturity, and statesmanship, noting that younger generations often take cues from their conduct.
According to him, violence, intolerance, and hostility during campaigns could leave a legacy of conflict, while respectful engagement and dialogue would foster peace and sustainable development.
Eze Egbe reminded public office holders and aspirants that political power is transient, while integrity and reputation endure beyond public service.
"Governors, senators, commissioners, and all political office holders of today may become private citizens tomorrow. However, the reputation you build during this period will remain with you and your children for generations,” he stated.
The royal father also raised concerns over the activities of some social media influencers and political supporters, accusing them of escalating tensions through inflammatory posts and divisive narratives.
He warned that such actions could trigger political and communal conflicts and should be discouraged by all responsible citizens.
“The activities of some social media handlers and online political operatives are not helping matters. Many appear determined to overheat the polity by inciting one political party against another and setting one clan or kindred against the other. Such conduct is regrettable, uncivilized, and unacceptable, and it should cease immediately,” he said.
He further advised political actors to focus their campaigns on vision, competence, and programmes rather than intimidation, blackmail, insults, or violence.
Expressing confidence in the people of Ebonyi State, Eze Egbe said he hoped the 2027 elections would be defined by peaceful coexistence, issue-based campaigns, and political maturity.
“Let the 2027 elections in Ebonyi State be remembered as a contest where maturity triumphed over tension; where the Izhi Clan demonstrated to Nigeria that we can disagree politically during the day and still share a meal together at night,” he said.
The monarch concluded with prayers for lasting peace, unity, stability, and continued progress in Ebonyi State as preparations for the 2027 general elections gathered momentum.(Facts Daily)
