Enugu Former Lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, Endorses Senator Oshiomhole on Thugs-Free Elections

...Renews Call for Electoral Reform Ahead of 2027

...Says INEC Should Use Anambra Nov. 8 Election to Show Nigerians What to Expect in 2027

The former Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, PhD, has openly endorsed Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s recent appeal to Nigerian politicians to stop rigging elections and arming thugs, describing the practice as “deceitful, sinful, and wicked.”

 “It is deceitful, sinful, and wicked that some so-called leaders support thuggery in whatever format,” Ezeugwu declared.

“They do this while ensuring that their children are overseas in the best schools. They are intentional in this, as they systematically impoverish the masses and use poverty as a tool during elections.”

The Enugu-born lawmaker, known for his integrity and advocacy for credible leadership, said Oshiomhole’s message should not be dismissed, even by those accusing him of hypocrisy.

 “Some commentators are dismissing Senator Oshiomhole, accusing him of hypocrisy, having benefited from such actions in the past,” he noted.

“Given without conceding,that he allegedly benefited, let us remember that Saul was on his way to persecute the Christians when he got converted and his name was changed to Paul. We should, notwithstanding the unkempt promises by some political leaders, endeavour to give them the benefit of doubt when they decide to turn a new leaf. This, to me, is God at work. How else do we want God to answer our prayers?”

Ezeugwu further emphasized that the problem of electoral malpractice does not rest solely on politicians but also on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and it's ad-hoc staff, whom he said should come out more transparent to avoid being suspected.

 “INEC staff, as well as ad hoc staff, should know that the masses now understand that rigging can’t happen without their alleged compromise,” he said.

“Impunity has an expiry date, and accountability is inescapable. If we don’t account to our fellow human beings, we shall definitely account to God.”

He urged Nigerians to emulate integrity figures like Prof. Nnenna Oti, the Returning Officer for the 2023 Abia State governorship election, whose courage and uprightness earned national admiration.

 “Wherever the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Prof. Oti introduce themselves, they would be given a red-carpet reception,” he said.

“Juxtapose this with some corrupt individuals who, because of their actions, have sent their wives and children overseas while they sneak in and out of the country like fugitives, pursued by their own shadows.”

Ezeugwu’s latest comments reinforce his long-standing advocacy for electoral reform, a call he strongly renewed during his appearance on Signature TV on September 11, 2025, when he chaired the public presentation of a book documenting the activities of all support groups of Mr. Peter Obi during the 2023 elections.

At that event, which also doubled as the third annual National Coalition for Peter Obi Summit in Abuja, Ezeugwu emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s democracy rests squarely on comprehensive electoral reform.

 “We cannot continue to be doing the same thing every day and expect a different result. The bottom line is electoral reform, electoral reform, and electoral reform,” he said emphatically.

“This is about each and every one of us. Let INEC and the ad hoc staff do the correct thing so that we will have a society that will be beneficial to all.”

He maintained that Oshiomhole’s outburst in the Senate aligns with the patriotic voices calling for transparency, accountability, and a new moral order in Nigerian politics.

 “When leaders choose righteousness over violence and conscience over greed, then God Himself will heal our land,” Ezeugwu stated.

Ezeugwu also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8 as a litmus test for its preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

He emphasized that the conduct of the Anambra poll would serve as a defining moment for the electoral body to demonstrate transparency, credibility, and independence in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community. According to him, “INEC should use the Anambra election to give Nigerians a clear idea of what to expect in 2027. If the process is transparent, orderly, and credible, it will rekindle public confidence in our democracy and prove that lessons have indeed been learned from past failures.”

Ezeugwu’s position has been widely commended by civic and youth organizations who see his message as a moral reinforcement of the growing movement for a violence-free, transparent, and reform-driven 2027 general election.

His words, much like Oshiomhole’s, echo the growing realization that credible elections remain the foundation of good governance, and that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when power is sought through persuasion, not through the barrel of a gun.