The struggle to see who will occupy the Bende federal constituency in the House of Representatives come 2027 is becoming more intense as supporter of both the Incumbent and Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ben Kalu of the All progressives Congress, APC, and the Labour Party, LP, candidate, Chima Anyaso are employing every tactic to secure victory
With regards to the situation, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Bende Local Government Chapter, has joined the fray as it has called on the Abia State Government to investigate what it described as the alleged partisan involvement and inflammatory statements of the Traditional Ruler of Umunnato Akanu Item in Bende Local Government Area HRH Eze Innocent Mba ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NYCN which was specifically referring to a viral video involving the traditional ruler of Akanu Item, His Royal Highness, Eze Innocent Mba, allegedly threatening to invoke death on any of his subjects who voted against his preferred candidate, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu described such conduct as inconsistent with the role of a traditional ruler.
“We therefore call on the state government to quickly investigate this matter and take decisive actions to forestall a breakdown of law and order in Bende Local Government Area.
“That in itself is an infringement on the fundamental human rights of his subjects, which is contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended. That is crude, uncultured, undemocratic, and negates the tenets of royalty,” the statement pointed out.
Briefing the presentation on Monday, August 3, 2026, while presenting a release endorsed by its Coordinator, Ukomba Hossana, and Secretary, Lawrence Maduka Ukaegbu, the youth body expressed concern and charged traditional rulers to remain neutral and promote peace.
“Traditional rulers are naturally supposed to be non-partisan, non-aligned to any political platform, rather open to all and sundry, to guide and bless all their subjects, and candidates of all political parties without segregation, upholding the highest standard of neutrality. They are supposed to be symbols of peace and tranquillity, not agents of chaos, mischief and discord.”
The council, however, enjoined the people and residents of Bende not to be intimidated by any political rhetoric.
“The people of Bende are peaceful. This is not the first time an election will be conducted in Bende and won’t be the last. People should, as usual and as it is obtained everywhere worldwide, freely vote for candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation from any quarter.”
The NYCN further challenged all political actors, traditional institutions, and stakeholders to uphold democratic values, preserve peace, and ensure that the 2027 elections in Bende are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful atmosphere.
