…says the Umueri election crisis began when the tenure of the current leadership approached its conclusion.
AWKA, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that the Umueri election crisis has taken a new turn as members of the Ikenga Umueri Unity Forum (IUUF) called on Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene in the leadership tussle threatening peace in the community.
The group, drawn from Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, raised concerns over the unfolding dispute regarding who becomes the next President General of the Umueri General Assembly (UGA). According to them, recent developments surrounding the electoral process have sparked tension and could destabilize the town if not urgently addressed.
In a statement signed by High Chief Dan Ekwevi (Leader), Dr. Chinedu Ekweonu (Secretary) and Chief Obi Monulu (Moderator), the forum accused the Executive Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze; the President General of Umueri General Assembly, Chief Johny Metchie; and the Electoral Committee Chairman, Chief Eugene Aghaebe, of actions allegedly contributing to the Umueri election crisis.
The group congratulated Governor Soludo on his swearing-in for a second term in office and appreciated him for appointing Dr. Egbune Okechi, an indigene of Umueri, as Deputy Chief of Staff. They acknowledged what they described as the governor’s commitment to development in Anambra State and the support extended to Umueri community.
However, the forum said it was compelled to draw the governor’s attention to what it termed “peace-threatening actions” by the trio of local leaders. According to the statement, Umueri is made up of four administrative quarters, Ezi, Ikenga, Ivite and Otuocha, and elective positions within the Umueri General Assembly are traditionally shared among these quarters.
The group explained that positions allocated to each quarter are typically open to all residents of that quarter to contest and occupy if duly elected. It cited the example of representatives from Otuocha quarter in the outgoing UGA leadership who are originally from Ivite quarter but were allowed to represent Otuocha because they reside there. This arrangement, they said, has been practiced for years without protest.
The IUUF maintained that no quarter had previously challenged the zoning formula until it became the turn of Ikenga Umueri to produce the next President General in the forthcoming election. The forum argued that the Umueri election crisis began when the tenure of the current UGA leadership, expected to end on April 18, 2026, approached its conclusion.
According to the statement, the President General, Chief Johny Metchie, inaugurated an electoral committee in January 2026, headed by Chief Eugene Aghaebe, in compliance with the Umueri constitution. The committee subsequently released its timetable, fixing March 21 as the election date.
The group said the process progressed as planned until March 17, just three days before the scheduled election, when the President General allegedly issued a letter postponing the election for three months, a period extending beyond the expiration of his tenure. The forum described the postponement as disruptive and said it triggered widespread condemnation among stakeholders, particularly within Ikenga quarter.
The forum further stated that it formally wrote to the President General on March 19, 2026, expressing dissatisfaction with the postponement, but claimed that no response has been received to date.
During the period of uncertainty, the group alleged that Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, as Executive Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, held meetings aimed at altering the existing zoning formula. According to the IUUF, a letter dated March 28, 2026, emanated from the Mayor’s office introducing changes to the sharing formula, which the group described as capable of causing disharmony in the community.
The following day, March 29, 2026, the Electoral Committee Chairman reportedly issued a fresh election notice which, according to the group, excluded Ikenga and Otuocha quarters from participation. The forum said leaders and contestants from the affected quarters are now uncertain about their eligibility and the fate of those who had already purchased nomination forms and undergone screening.
Describing themselves as peace-loving citizens committed to unity and progress, the IUUF appealed to Governor Soludo to use his office to restore order and prevent the Umueri election crisis from escalating further.
The group specifically requested that the President General rescind any communication that reallocated positions previously shared among the four quarters. It also urged that the letter issued from the Mayor’s office be set aside, alleging that it was written without adequate consultation. Additionally, the forum called for the suspension of what it described as “micro-zoning” within Otuocha quarter and asked that the electoral committee proceed with the election as originally scheduled.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, equity and fairness, the Ikenga Umueri Unity Forum stated that it believes in due process and peaceful resolution of disputes. The group expressed confidence that Governor Soludo, whom it described as an impartial leader, would intervene to prevent the Umueri election crisis from plunging the community into avoidable conflict.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Umueri election crisis and provide updates as stakeholders await possible intervention from the Anambra State Government.
