Political aspirants vying for office in Ebonyi State's 2027 elections faced tough questioning last weekend. Youth leaders grilled candidates at an interactive forum in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The Ohaukwu Youth General Assembly organised the event at Grace Garden and Event Centre. It brought together candidates, young people, community leaders and security officials for what organisers called a crucial engagement.
Emmanuel Onah, National President of the Assembly, opened the forum with clear expectations. He said youths needed to assess which candidates could truly deliver representation.
Onah noted his organisation unites young people from Ezzamgbo, Ngbo, Effium and Ezza-Effium communities. According to him, they've fought hard to curb cult activities and drug abuse in the area.
"We want a situation where our mothers can sleep with their two eyes closed," Onah told the gathering. He stressed that peace in the local government must not be destroyed by political violence.
Every participating candidate signed a peace accord at the event. They pledged to run clean campaigns and keep their supporters from engaging in violence.
Onah expressed frustration over some aspirants who declined the invitation. He said their absence suggested disrespect for the very youths whose votes they needed.
The programme remained open to candidates from all political parties, he noted. Security agencies had approved and monitored all arrangements throughout the day.
Barrister Tochukwu Ogalagu, a Federal Constituency candidate, took centre stage during discussions. He identified joblessness as a major driver of insecurity among young people.
"When youths are gainfully employed, there will be no war," Ogalagu said. He argued that meaningful employment could drastically reduce violence and crime.
His campaign platform centres on job creation across the constituency. He also promised educational scholarships and skills acquisition training for interested youths.
Ogalagu pledged to sponsor postgraduate studies for qualified candidates. Women would receive support through cassava-processing schemes and access to affordable loans, he added.
Chief Onyeoma Kelechi, the APGA candidate for Ohaukwu South, highlighted his track record in education. He told the audience about scholarship programmes his foundation had established.
Kelechi said he'd created educational institutions benefiting thousands of young people. If elected, he promised to expand such interventions across his constituency.
Multiple candidates made similar commitments to youth development and peace. The forum reflected growing demands from young voters for concrete action plans.
Youth participation in election processes has become increasingly important nationwide. Ebonyi State's engagement shows how grassroots organisations are shaping 2027 campaigns.
The peace accord signed that day carries symbolic and practical weight. It signals to voters that these candidates recognise their responsibility to promote stability.
Security concerns remain high in many parts of Nigeria ahead of 2027. Forums like this one aim to prevent the violence that has marred previous elections.
Organisers hope other local governments in Ebonyi will replicate the model. Youth engagement at this scale could set new standards for electoral conduct.
