World Igbo Congress warns politicians against threatening Igbos over support for Obi

The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has warned political actors against threatening or intimidating Igbo people over their political affiliations.

Basil Onwukwe, vice-chairman of the organisation, gave the warning during an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica.

The comments come amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

Onwukwe said although the WIC is a non-partisan organisation, it would not remain silent when political disagreements threaten the lives and property of Igbo people.

“Because we kept quiet when a particular state governor was threatening Peter Obi not to come to his state does not mean we don’t see what is going on,” he said.

Peter Obi is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election.

Onwukwe said the organisation is monitoring developments in Nigerian politics and would take action when necessary to protect members of the Igbo community.

He said the WIC’s non-partisan position should not be interpreted as indifference to threats against Igbo people participating in politics.

He urged politicians and their supporters to engage in political activities without bitterness, saying political differences should not degenerate into threats or violence.

“There should not be any threat to any Igbo person in Nigeria anymore. World Igbo Congress wouldn’t tolerate such actions anymore,” he said.

“Everyone should engage in their politics without bitterness. Once the politics of anyone or a group becomes a threat to the life of any Igbo person, then they should be ready to contend with us.”

He also assured Igbo people that the organisation was prepared to defend their lives and property across the country.

Onwukwe, who spoke ahead of the organisation’s convention in Austin, Texas, said the WIC has established networks to support Igbo people living and doing business around the world.

He said the organisation was also working to establish an Igbo Credit Union in the United States and a Biafra Cenotaph and Monumental Park proposed at its convention in Worcester, Massachusetts, last year.

“We can assure everyone that we are prepared to go to any length to defend the life and properties of any Igbo person in Nigeria,” the WIC vice-chairman said.

“Igbo people are the most travelled of any group in Nigeria.”