RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
The Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, has called on political leaders in the South-East to refrain from personal attacks against former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, warning that political divisions could weaken cooperation within the region.
Ibeabuchi appealed to the Diocesan Men’s Conference held on Saturday at Ude Ofeme in Umuahia, Abia State.
The cleric expressed concern over what he described as persistent criticism of Obi by some political figures from the South-East, questioning whether such confrontations served the interests of the region.
He alleged that certain political actors were seeking information that could be used against the former governor, although he did not provide evidence establishing the allegation.
Drawing comparisons with political relationships in other parts of Nigeria, Ibeabuchi argued that prominent leaders from the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani communities appeared to face less public opposition from political figures within their respective regions.
He urged South-East leaders to respect differences in political opinion and concentrate on their responsibilities rather than engage in personal confrontations.
The bishop also criticised what he considered the involvement of some Igbo political leaders in the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), questioning what he described as unequal treatment of groups across the country.
His remarks reflected his assessment of regional political developments rather than an established finding concerning the conduct of the leaders involved.
Ibeabuchi maintained that disagreement with Obi’s political positions should not prevent constructive engagement or mutual respect among leaders.
Turning to the 2027 general elections, the cleric called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold its independence and ensure that the electoral process remains credible, transparent and fair.
He urged the electoral body, chaired by Professor Joash Amupitan, to resist political interference and strengthen measures designed to protect the integrity of elections.
The bishop also raised concerns about the possible misuse of artificial intelligence during election campaigns, particularly its potential to facilitate misleading political content and influence public perceptions.
He called for stronger safeguards against electoral manipulation, improved transparency and effective oversight of emerging technologies that could affect public confidence in election outcomes.
Ibeabuchi emphasised the importance of peaceful political engagement, urging public officials and political stakeholders to prioritise responsible leadership and democratic accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.
