President General of the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has appealed to all stakeholders to accept in good faith the suspension of the Uzugbani Ekpeye delegate election and the main election by His Imperial Majesty, Eze Sir Amb. Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Ph.D., DSSRS, ACTI, CNA, FNIM, MNIMN, SFLAPP, JP, AP, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, Akalaka XII, Supreme Monarch of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.
The monarch announced the immediate suspension of the delegate election scheduled for August 28, and the election proper fixed for Saturday, August 29, 2026, citing security threats.
In a statement on Friday, Ambassador Ibe said the monarch’s decision was taken to safeguard peace, security and the protection of lives and property in Ekpeye land.
According to him, the decision followed disturbing reports of alleged mobilisation of hoodlums and suspected cultists around the electoral process.
“The gravity of the situation is further underscored by an SOS appeal addressed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police by Concerned Citizens of Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality and copied to the Ekpeye Palace,” Amb. Ibe stated.
“The petition warned of possible violence, clashes, destruction of property and loss of lives if the electoral activities proceed under the prevailing circumstances. Let us give His Majesty the benefit of doubt. No position is worth the life of an Ekpeye son or daughter.”
The ONC President General urged all candidates, delegates, supporters and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding.
He also called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to urgently strengthen security in Ekpeye land ahead of a rescheduled date for the electoral process.
“Let us not allow this election to become a catalyst for bloodshed. Peace must come first,” he said.
Ambassador Ibe further called on royal fathers and credible stakeholders to initiate dialogue and reconciliation before any fresh elections are conducted.
“For the avoidance of doubt, a new date should be rescheduled in consultation with the Electoral Committee to provide a free, fair and level playing ground for all aspirants,” he added.
“It is important that we maintain peace and unity in Ekpeye Kingdom. ONC stands for peace and we will continue to support every step that protects our people and preserves our institutions.”
The Uzugbani Ekpeye elections are expected to be rescheduled after security assessments and stakeholder consultations.