The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Bende Local Government Chapter, has called on the Abia State Government to investigate the alleged partisan activities and inflammatory remarks of the Traditional Ruler of Umunnato Akanu Item, HRH Eze Innocent Mba, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press briefing dated August 3, 2026, and signed by the chapter’s Coordinator, Ukomba Hossana, and Secretary, Lawrence Maduka Ukaegbu, the youth body expressed concern over what it described as the monarch’s alleged political involvement, insisting that traditional rulers should remain neutral and serve as custodians of peace.

According to the statement, traditional rulers are expected to remain above partisan politics and treat all citizens equally regardless of political affiliation.

“Traditional rulers are naturally supposed to be non-partisan, non-aligned to any political platform, rather open to all and sundry, to guide and bless all their subjects, and candidates of all political parties without segregation, upholding the highest standard of neutrality. They are supposed to be symbols of peace and tranquillity, not agents of chaos, mischief and discord,” the statement read.

The NYCN referenced a viral video allegedly involving Eze Innocent Mba, claiming the monarch threatened to invoke death on any of his subjects who voted against his preferred candidate, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in the forthcoming elections.

The council described the alleged remarks as inconsistent with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler and an infringement on the constitutional rights of citizens.

“That in itself is an infringement on the fundamental human rights of his subjects, which is contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended. That is crude, uncultured, undemocratic, and negates the tenets of royalty,” the statement added.

In one of its strongest remarks, the youth body stated that the monarch’s conduct raised questions about his suitability for the throne.

“His actions and speech reveal who he is and point to the fact that he may have been enthroned in error, as he represents everything a royal father should not be.”

The NYCN urged residents of Bende Local Government Area not to be intimidated by political rhetoric, stressing that elections should remain free and democratic.

“The people of Bende are peaceful. This is not the first time election will be conducted in Bende and won’t be the last. People should, as usual and as it is obtained everywhere worldwide, freely vote for candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation from any quarter.”

The council also appealed to the Abia State Government to urgently investigate the allegations and take appropriate action to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area.

“We therefore call on the state government to quickly investigate this matter and take decisive actions to forestall a breakdown of law and order in Bende Local Government Area.”

The NYCN concluded by urging political actors, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to uphold democratic principles, preserve peace, and ensure that the 2027 elections in Bende are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful atmosphere.

As of the time of filing this report, HRH Eze Innocent Mba had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the NYCN statement.