Thousands of youths in Ebonyi State have marched through Abakaliki, the state capital, protesting alleged political violence, intimidation and harassment of opposition members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demonstrators, operating under the aegis of Concerned Ebonyi Youth for Democracy, said they represented youths from the state’s 13 local government areas and were demanding an atmosphere where citizens could freely participate in politics without fear of attacks or intimidation.
The peaceful march took protesters through major streets of Abakaliki, with participants displaying placards bearing messages such as, “Democracy Needs Peaceful Ideas, Not Weapons” and “Protect Freedom of Speech in Ebonyi”, Channels TV reports.
Addressing journalists during the rally, a spokesperson for the group said the youths would resist any attempt to undermine their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Our constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are not negotiable,” the spokesperson said.
The group expressed concern over reported incidents of physical attacks, harassment and voter intimidation allegedly targeting opposition figures in parts of the state.
It warned that political thuggery and intimidation could undermine democratic participation if left unchecked.
“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 urged security agencies and relevant state institutions to intervene and guarantee a level playing field for political parties as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
Another youth coordinator said opposition parties must be allowed to campaign, communicate their policies and engage voters without threats or fear of violence.
“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 described the march as part of a broader effort by young people in Ebonyi to demand accountability, defend democratic freedoms and promote peaceful political participation ahead of the next general elections.
