ADU Warns Asa Political Candidates Against Violence, Divisive Campaigns.

ADU Warns Asa Political Candidates Against Violence, Divisive Campaigns.

The Asa Development Union (ADU) has warned political candidates and their supporters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, against violence, hate speech, intimidation and divisive campaigns as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commences campaigns for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary General of ADU, Sir Boniface U. Nwaigwe, on behalf of the union’s leadership, as campaigns officially commenced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The President General of ADU, Elder Goodluck Nwanneakolam Nwuju, urged all sons and daughters of Asa contesting for the House of Representatives seat to conduct their campaigns with maturity, responsibility and genuine concern for the peace and development of Asa land.

ADU described the commencement of campaigns as an important moment for Asa, noting that the community had, over the years, pursued the Asa Agenda with the expectation of translating its aspirations into meaningful political representation and development.

The union stressed that political ambition must not be allowed to undermine the peace and unity of the people.

“Peace must remain the priority. No political ambition is worth the blood of one Asa son or daughter,” the statement said.

ADU consequently rejected thuggery, hate speech, intimidation, violence and destruction of property, urging candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the campaign and electoral period.

The union also called for issue-based campaigns, urging candidates to focus on their programmes, competence, capacity and vision rather than personal attacks and insults.

According to ADU, the campaigns should provide candidates with an opportunity to explain how they intend to address key challenges confronting the people, including roads, employment, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and sustainable development.

The union further warned against allowing political party differences to create permanent divisions among the people of Asa.

“While we belong to different political parties, we are first and foremost Asa people. After elections, we must still live together as brothers and sisters,” the statement stated.

ADU also called on all contestants and their supporters to respect the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other institutions involved in the electoral process.

The union reiterated its political neutrality, stressing that it would neither endorse any candidate nor support any political party.

“As ADU officials, we will remain neutral. We will not endorse any candidate or party. Our role is to ensure that Asa wins, irrespective of who emerges,” the statement said.

The organisation added that it would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful campaigns and credible elections in the interest of Asa and its people.

The ADU leadership also appealed to youths in Asa not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate violence or disrupt the electoral process.

“You are the future of Asa. Do not allow yourselves to be used to foment trouble. Be ambassadors of peace,” the union urged.

Addressing the contestants, ADU said their conduct during the campaign would become part of their political legacy and urged them to campaign in a manner their families and communities would be proud of.

“History is watching. Let your campaign style be one that your children will be proud of. Let us prove to Nigeria that Asa people are politically mature and development-focused,” the statement added.

The union reaffirmed the message contained in the 2027 Asa Day theme: “From Agenda to Action: Building Greater Future through Purposeful Leadership, Unity and Sustainable Cultural Heritage.”

ADU therefore urged all contestants and their supporters to pursue their political ambitions peacefully, stressing that regardless of who emerges victorious, the unity, peace and development of Asa must remain the collective priority.