2027: Bende Youths Condemn Traditional Ruler Over “Death Curse” On Kalu Opponents, Demand Government Sanction

The Bende Youths Frontiers, BYF, has condemned a traditional ruler in Bende LGA for allegedly invoking death on anyone who will not support Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for a third term in 2027.

The group described the action as unconstitutional, barbaric and capable of heating up the polity ahead of the general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, BYF called on the Abia State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to sanction the monarch and ensure traditional rulers remain neutral in partisan politics.

The youth group said invoking curses and death threats against constituents with different political views violates both the Constitution and traditional values.

“Traditional rulers are custodians of peace, unity and culture. They are fathers to all irrespective of party or candidate. Using the throne to threaten death because of politics is an abuse of office and a recipe for crisis,” the statement read.

BYF noted that while every citizen has the right to support any candidate, no leader should use intimidation or spiritual threats to coerce voters.

The group urged the state government to investigate the incident and take disciplinary action against the royal father in line with the Traditional Rulers Law of Abia State.

“We call on the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to immediately wade in and sanction this traditional ruler to serve as a deterrent to others,” BYF stated.

The youths also charged all traditional rulers in Bende and Abia State to remain neutral, apolitical and fatherly to all.

“Enough of using traditional institutions to divide our people. Bende deserves politics of ideas, not politics of fear, intimidation and curses,” the group added.

The condemnation comes amid rising political activities in Bende ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election, with different groups declaring support for various aspirants.