The Obowo Indigenous Youths Association (OIYA) has distanced itself from claims that the youths of Obowo Local Government Area have endorsed an aspirant for the Imo State House of Assembly, Obowo State Constituency, ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and jointly signed by the Interim President, Comrade Alphonsus Iheaturu; Interim Secretary General, Comrade Scientist OGB Nzeadi; and Interim Publicity Secretary, Comrade Brandon Modichimma, the association described the claim credited to Hon. John Kenneth Onyekwere Amah as false and misleading.
According to the statement, Amah, who is reportedly seeking election to the State Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had claimed that Obowo youths had endorsed or adopted him for the legislative position.
However, the leadership of OIYA stated that the association has neither endorsed nor adopted Amah or any other aspirant contesting the seat.
“OIYA wishes to state categorically and for the avoidance of doubt that the association has not endorsed, adopted, or pledged support to Hon. John Kenneth Onyekwere Amah or any other aspirant for the 2027 elections,” the statement read.
The youth body emphasised that it remains an apolitical organisation committed to the unity, welfare, and development of Obowo youths regardless of political affiliation. According to the statement, the constitution and practice of the association forbid the endorsement of individual aspirants or political parties.
The group further clarified that Amah is not a spokesperson of the association and did not consult the leadership or any organ of the association before making the claim. It added that the declaration should therefore be treated as a personal position by the aspirant.
The association also noted that while it is aware of its civic responsibility concerning the 2027 elections, it will make any official position known only after due consultation with youths across the autonomous communities in Obowo Local Government Area.
It urged the public and the media to disregard any statement suggesting that Obowo youths have endorsed any candidate ahead of the election.
The association added that the immediate concern of youths in the area is development rather than political endorsement. It listed key priorities to include sustainable empowerment through education such as scholarships, bursaries, and improved learning facilities; employment opportunities for graduates; and skills development support for trained artisans.
According to the statement, artisans such as tailors, welders, builders, hairdressers, and ICT trainees require tools, seed capital, and access to markets to enable them to become economically productive.
The association therefore called on political actors seeking the support of Obowo youths to present clear plans and verifiable track records in addressing these pressing needs, noting that endorsements are earned through service and not through mere declarations.
While acknowledging the right of every son and daughter of Obowo to contest elections, OIYA maintained that it will not allow the collective name of Obowo youths to be used as a political bargaining tool.
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