The South East Young Professionals, through a statement signed by their Chairman, Hon. Nwazuluahu H Shield, on July 31, 2025, have strongly condemned a recent press release issued by a group calling itself the Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council. The release accused prominent political figures including Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba of attempting to hijack the South East structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The Young Professionals described these claims as unfounded, irrational, and an act of ingratitude.
They clarified that such baseless and illogical accusations, lacking any factual or historical grounding, normally do not merit a response. However, to set the record straight and prevent public confusion, they outlined several key points:
Firstly, accusing Emeka Ihedioha a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and erstwhile Governor of Imo State and Emeka Nwajiuba a former Minister of State for Education and co-founder of multiple Third Force political platforms of hijacking a structure they have diligently helped build is laughable. These leaders have long been committed to advancing the South East within Nigeria’s national discourse, driven not by personal ambition but by a genuine passion to align the region with a credible and people-centered political alternative that addresses years of marginalization.
Secondly, the South East Young Professionals challenged the Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council’s absence during the initial phases of consultations, bridge-building, and political mobilization for the ADC. They questioned where this group was when courageous South East leaders were risking their political capital to lend legitimacy to the ADC project. The claim emphasized that these critics only vocalized their grievances after the groundwork had been laid, describing such behavior as parasitic and disguised beneath ethnic rhetoric.
Thirdly, the statement highlighted a historical failure of the South East: the inability to act cohesively and decisively during national political realignments. They praised Ihedioha and Nwajiuba’s silent, patriotic efforts to connect the region to the ADC project as acts of unity and political foresight that should be celebrated rather than condemned. Their goal has been to ensure the South East does not become politically isolated in the evolving landscape an effort worthy of commendation.
The Young Professionals also called out the critics for what they termed “cowardice of armchair critics.” They noted that issuing press releases and making noise in the media is easy, but what truly matters is the courage, consistency, and selflessness shown by the likes of Ihedioha who are actively engaging and mobilizing the people. The critics were accused of intellectual dishonesty and moral bankruptcy and advised to channel their energies into constructive dialogue rather than divisive outbursts aimed at breaking unity.
Lastly, the statement appealed to the general public and South East stakeholders to dismiss these baseless allegations. It underscored the need for genuine, serious-minded leadership in the region instead of loud, attention-seeking pretenders who confuse activism with opportunism. The Young Professionals affirmed that no hijacking is taking place but rather experienced leaders are stepping up to guide and inspire hope within the South East. Those opposing this progress were urged to prove their own leadership credentials rather than hide behind false ethnic legitimacy.
They concluded by motivating Emeka Ihedioha, Emeka Nwajiuba, and others not to be distracted by these attacks, expressing confidence that history will ultimately vindicate those who act justly and in the best interest of the South East. The time, they affirmed, is for building unity and progress not destruction.
