By News Maker in Abuja
The ADC House of Representatives candidate for Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chinedum Elekwachi, has raised concerns over the alleged use of children in partisan political activities.
Elekwachi’s reaction followed the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing children from Ugwulangwu singing along to a political jingle reportedly associated with a politician.
Describing the development as “disturbing and unacceptable,” the ADC candidate said children should not be exposed to partisan politics or used for political mobilisation. He maintained that the welfare and protection of minors must remain a priority regardless of political affiliation.
Elekwachi said the situation was particularly embarrassing because Ugwulangwu was receiving wider attention for an issue he described as negative, rather than for infrastructure and social development. He cited roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other community projects as the kind of developments that should attract positive attention.
He also clarified that he had no objection to educational initiatives such as summer holiday lessons, describing them as commendable. However, he said such programmes must remain strictly focused on children’s education and welfare and should not become avenues for partisan political mobilisation.
The ADC candidate further said he expected the lawmaker representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency to condemn the alleged incident and, where necessary, direct officials involved to stop any conduct that could compromise the neutrality of programmes meant for children.
Elekwachi also alleged that he had received reports from parents and elders concerning attempts by alleged APC agents to present underage persons for voter registration during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise. He stressed that the claim was an allegation requiring proper investigation by the relevant authorities, particularly INEC.
He therefore urged INEC, political parties, parents, traditional rulers and community leaders to remain vigilant, protect children from political exploitation and safeguard the electoral process. “Our children deserve education, protection and a future, not political indoctrination or exploitation,” he said, calling for the withdrawal of any political material involving the children if established and urging residents to report suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.
