The Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has declared that Ndigbo in the state will not support any political party or candidate in the 2027 general elections without clear commitments to democratic values, good governance and the protection of the interests of the Igbo community.

The group also demanded equal access to public facilities for all political parties during campaigns, warning that the 2027 elections must be conducted on issues rather than rhetoric.

These were among the resolutions reached at the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State chapter, held in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by its state President, Livingstone Wechie, the group said Ndigbo in Rivers would actively engage political parties and candidates on their programmes and specific agendas for the state before making electoral decisions.

The communiqué said, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter, explicitly states that Ndigbo in Rivers State will not cast their votes for any candidate or party that fails to uphold democratic values and good governance.”

It added that the group would support only candidates who demonstrated a commitment to protecting the interests of the Igbo community in Rivers State.

The Assembly said it was ready to engage all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections to scrutinise their programmes and commitments to the state’s development.

Ohanaeze also called on the Rivers State Government to guarantee what it described as “equal and fair access” to public facilities for all political parties during campaigns.

The group said such an arrangement was necessary to ensure a level playing field and promote a competitive democratic process.

The communiqué further urged political parties and candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns, insisting that Rivers voters deserved clear policy positions rather than empty political rhetoric.

On the conduct of the elections, Ohanaeze cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair and credible poll capable of strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Assembly said INEC would be held accountable for the outcome of the elections, adding that Ohanaeze was prepared to partner with the electoral body in any constructive capacity that would help guarantee a successful poll.

The group also commended the Rivers State House of Assembly for swiftly passing the 2026 Appropriation Bill and Governor Siminalayi Fubara for assenting to the budget.

It described the appropriation framework as a blueprint for statewide development and called for its full and transparent implementation.

The Assembly, however, urged Fubara to use the remaining months of his administration to address critical infrastructure gaps, particularly in internal roads, waste management and healthcare.

It said the state required an accelerated infrastructure rehabilitation programme to improve living conditions across Rivers.

On security, Ohanaeze passed a vote of confidence in security chiefs and personnel in the state, commending their efforts to maintain peace and protect residents.

The Assembly particularly praised the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for what it described as the introduction of digital policing and innovative leadership.

It also commended the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, and commanders of the Nigerian Navy and Air Force.

The group, however, called on security agencies to decisively tackle the growing menace of “one chance” robberies in Port Harcourt and other parts of the metropolitan area.

It also expressed concern over security alerts reportedly raised by Niger Delta activist “General” Gabriel Asabuja, and urged the Commissioner of Police to remain professional and thorough in investigating the matter.

In another resolution, the Assembly passed a vote of confidence in Senator John Azuta Mbata, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, praising what it described as his leadership and praying for continued peace, prosperity and progress for Ndigbo under his stewardship.

The communiqué was also signed by the Secretary, Miss Daisy Obomanu; Chairman of the Elders’ Council, Chief Ihunwo Obi-Wali; President of the Indigenous Igbo Congress, Comrade Chimenem Amadi; Director of Programmes, Dr. John Okolie; Youth Leader, Prince Ezekwesiri Woyike; State Woman Leader, Princess Pamela Ariolu-Stephen; and Director of Information and Communications, Kingsley Achor Wagwu. (The Nation)