By Sunny A. David, Awka
The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has warned political actors in Nigeria against threatening, intimidating or targeting Igbo people because of their political affiliations or activities.
The organisation said it would no longer remain silent when political disagreements place the lives and property of Igbo people at risk.
WIC Vice Chairman, Mazi Basil Onwukwe, gave the warning during an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, where he stressed that the organisation remained non-partisan but was committed to protecting the interests and welfare of Igbo people.
Onwukwe said the WIC was closely monitoring developments in Nigeria and would not tolerate situations in which political differences degenerated into threats against Igbo citizens.
He said the organisation’s decision to remain politically neutral should not be interpreted as indifference to alleged threats against Igbo people participating in the country’s political process.
“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.
According to him, being non-partisan does not prevent the WIC from speaking out when the rights, safety or property of Igbo people are allegedly threatened.
“There should not be any threat to any Igbo person in Nigeria anymore. World Igbo Congress wouldn’t tolerate such actions anymore,” Onwukwe warned.
He urged politicians and their supporters to conduct their political activities peacefully, stressing that disagreements over political affiliations should not lead to violence or intimidation.
“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 stated.
Onwukwe also assured that the organisation was prepared to take steps to defend the lives and property of Igbo people across Nigeria whenever it believed they were under threat.
“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,” he said.
The WIC vice chairman spoke against the backdrop of heightened political activities surrounding former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, whose political movement and support base have continued to attract attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He, however, reiterated that the WIC was not backing any political party or candidate, maintaining that its concern was the protection of Igbo people and their legitimate rights to participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Onwukwe further disclosed that the organisation was working on several initiatives, including the establishment of an Igbo Credit Union in the United States and the proposed Biafra Cenotaph and Monumental Park.
He said the projects were among initiatives introduced at the organisation’s previous convention in Worcester, Massachusetts, and would receive further attention at its convention in Austin, Texas.
Onwukwe also noted that the WIC works with affiliated organisations to support Igbo people living and doing business in different parts of the world.
He said the organisation had developed networks aimed at assisting members of the Igbo community regardless of their location.
The WIC’s latest position comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with the organisation insisting that political competition must remain within the bounds of peaceful and democratic engagement.
It maintained that no Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity or political affiliation, should be subjected to threats or intimidation for exercising legitimate political rights.
