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Hundreds of youths in Ebonyi State have staged a peaceful march through Abakaliki, the state capital, calling for an end to political violence, intimidation and harassment of opposition members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protesters, under the group Concerned Ebonyi Youth for Democracy, said they came from the state’s 13 local government areas to demand a peaceful political environment where everyone could participate without fear.
The demonstrators marched through major streets in Abakaliki, carrying placards with messages such as, “Democracy Needs Peaceful Ideas, Not Weapons” and “Protect Freedom of Speech in Ebonyi.”
Speaking to journalists during the rally, a spokesperson for the group said the youths would not accept any attempt to undermine their constitutional rights.
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“Our constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are not negotiable,” the spokesperson said.
The group also raised concerns about reported cases of physical violence, harassment and voter intimidation targeting opposition figures in parts of the state.
“We will not sit by while political thuggery and intimidation threaten to ruin our state’s democratic process. Every citizen, regardless of party alignment, deserves to participate without fear for their safety,” the spokesperson added.
The protesters called on security agencies and state institutions to intervene and ensure that all political parties had a fair chance to participate in the electoral process.
Another youth coordinator said opposition parties should be allowed to campaign, present their programmes and engage voters without threats or intimidation.
“Opposition parties must be allowed to campaign safely, present their platforms, and engage with voters without constant threat of violence,” the coordinator said.
The group said the march was part of efforts by young people in the state to demand accountability and promote peaceful political participation as the 2027 general elections approach.
