 has issued a strong warning to politicians and political groups against threatening or intimidating people of Igbo){kind=link}
The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has issued a strong warning to politicians and political groups against threatening or intimidating people of Igbo extraction over their political choices.
The organisation said Igbos, regardless of where they live across Nigeria, have the constitutional right to freely support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence.
WIC said it would not stand by while the lives, businesses and property of Igbos are allegedly placed at risk because of their political affiliations or preferences.
The group stressed that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic engagement rather than threats, coercion or attacks on individuals and communities.
According to the organisation, the Igbo community remains an important component of Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, with millions of its people living and conducting businesses across the country.
It therefore urged political actors to respect the rights of citizens and avoid statements or actions capable of heightening ethnic tension.
WIC further pledged to use every legitimate means available to advocate for the protection of Igbos and their property nationwide, particularly in periods of heightened political activity.
The organisation called on security agencies and relevant authorities to remain vigilant and ensure that no Nigerian is victimised simply for exercising his or her democratic rights.
It also appealed to Igbo leaders, youths and community organisations to remain calm and law-abiding, while resisting any provocation that could trigger violence.
The warning comes amid growing political tensions ahead of future electoral contests, with WIC insisting that political participation must remain a matter of individual choice rather than ethnic compulsion.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when citizens are allowed to make political decisions freely and peacefully, without threats to their safety or livelihood.
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