2 Out of 3 Presidential Candidates Boycott Ohuhu Welfare Union Election, Demand Postponement Over Alleged Constitutional Breaches
Two out of the three presidential candidates contesting in the forthcoming Ohuhu Welfare Union Worldwide (OWUW) election have announced their boycott of the election slated for Saturday, May 16, 2026, citing alleged violations of the OWU Constitution, lack of transparency, and attempts to impose candidates on the people of Ohuhu.
The position was contained in a communiqué jointly issued by concerned aspirants and stakeholders in the electoral process, where they called for the immediate postponement of the election and warned that any attempt to proceed with what they described as a flawed process could lead to the “fractionalization of Ohuhu.”
The communiqué was signed by presidential candidates, Chief Lucky Akabuike and Chief Chinedu Iyerioba.
The aspirants began by condoling with the family of the late Dr. Emeka Okengwu, the former Chairman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC), as well as the people of Isingwu and Ohuhu, describing his death as a painful loss to the clan.
They alleged that some traditional rulers led by Eze Charles Ngwuli acted outside the provisions of the OWU Constitution by dissolving the Bar. Hez Nwokocha-led CTC without due constitutional process.
According to the communiqué, subsequent attempts to correct the alleged constitutional breach through the involvement of the Council of Elders also failed to comply with the provisions and spirit of the union’s constitution.
The candidates further expressed disappointment that despite the death of the late Dr. Emeka Okengwu, the election was not postponed to honour him, noting that he died while serving actively as CTC Chairman.
They also raised concerns over what they described as secrecy surrounding the delegate list, alleging that contestants had not been officially furnished with the updated list ahead of the election.
The communiqué recalled that the earlier election scheduled for April 27, 2026, was suspended indefinitely over similar concerns relating to transparency and delegate issues, yet no formal briefing or meeting had been held with candidates before fixing a new election date.
The aspirants alleged that the delegate list had now been altered and insisted that the process should be reopened transparently to guarantee fairness and credibility.
They also accused some traditional rulers of allegedly reintroducing aspirant Ekejiuba Ekpo into the race despite his earlier disqualification under Section 15(d) of the OWU Constitution by both the Bar. Hez Nwokocha-led CTC and the late Dr. Emeka Okengwu-led CTC.
According to them, a fresh nomination form was allegedly issued to the aspirant after the deadline for nomination had elapsed, while the form was purportedly endorsed by Eze Charles Ngwuli instead of the aspirant’s village chairman or president as required by the constitution.
The concerned aspirants demanded the immediate postponement of the election, full disclosure of the authentic delegate list, adequate time for campaigns and consultations, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions guiding the electoral process.
They warned that any attempt to “hoist unpopular candidates” on the people of Ohuhu through what they termed “selection/election” could be resisted and may encourage division within the clan.
Consequently, the group formally announced its boycott of the May 16 election until due process is followed and constitutional order restored.
The communiqué reaffirmed the signatories’ commitment to the unity, peace, integrity, and progress of Ohuhu while urging stakeholders to place justice, fairness, and constitutional order above personal interests.
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