2027: Nnadi Cautions Ulakwo Youths Against Election Violence

Comrade Hector Nnadi, a prominent aviation trade unionist, has issued a stern warning to the youth in his Ulakwo Community, located in the Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

He urged them to resist any attempts by politicians to recruit them as thugs or agents of violence during the 2027 general elections.

Nnadi, one of Nigeria’s most experienced and well-traveled labor leaders in the aviation sector, delivered this message during an interactive session with Ulakwo youths, organized under the umbrella of “The Owerri Progressives” on Sunday.

Despite facing mounting pressure from youths, friends, and associates to contest the Owerri Federal Constituency seat in the National Assembly—citing his integrity and leadership qualities—Comrade Nnadi emphasized that his personal ambitions are secondary to the safety, welfare, and future of the community’s young people.

In his address, Nnadi, who holds several esteemed positions including Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (Aviation Unit) and Programme Coordinator of the Africa Aviation Trade Unions Peer Review Group (AATUPRG), stressed that the gathering was not a political event but a genuine community development dialogue.

With a rich background in labor issues gained from training in Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Eswatini, Morocco, and other locations, Nnadi expressed concern over the persistent exploitation of youths by political actors, who often use them as tools for thuggery, violence, and electoral manipulation. He warned that such actions frequently result in the election of representatives lacking the capacity, vision, and competence to provide effective leadership.

“These practices only worsen the socio-economic conditions of the youths instead of improving them,” he stated, adding that beneficiaries of such tactics often become ineffective lawmakers incapable of advancing the welfare of their constituents.

While appreciating the confidence placed in him by those encouraging his candidacy for the Owerri Constituency seat, Comrade Hector Nnadi stated that he is still consulting widely and carefully assessing the political situation.

“My ambition is not worth the blood of any youth in this community,” he declared.

He continued: “There is nobody without ambition for something, but this occasion is not about my political ambition. We are here as brothers and sisters to engage constructively and find common ground for the sustainable development of the Ulakwo community.”

Comrade Nnadi, a Chartered member of Purchasing & Supply Management of Nigeria, who holds two Master’s degrees and is pursuing a PhD at Nasarawa State University, lamented the underwhelming performance of some past representatives of the Owerri constituencies. He noted that many voters have been swayed by partisan loyalty or directives from political leaders, often without considering the long-term implications for their communities.

An alumnus of the Singapore Aviation Academy and a certificated student of Greenwich University, London, UK, Nnadi openly questioned the tangible achievements of some members who have occupied seats in both the Imo State House of Assembly and the National Assembly in recent years, expressing dissatisfaction with their limited impact on the lives of the people. However, he noted that this is not a general assessment, as a few have made visible impacts.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of Ulakwo and the wider Owerri zone. He called on the youth to shun violence, embrace peaceful and issue-based politics, and insist on accountable, competent, and development-oriented leadership in the 2027 elections.

The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to pursue community development through unity and responsible political engagement.