Engr Joshua Chinedum Elekwachi is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State. In this press interview with Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka, Our Senate Correspondent on Thursday, Elekwachi, a practicing journalist, seriously condemns alleged use of children for partisan activities. While calling for investigation, he speaks on a viral video allegedly showing children from Ugwulangwu in the constituency.
What prompted your reaction to the viral video from Ugwulangwu?
What prompted my reaction was the disturbing video circulating online, which appeared to show children from Ugwulangwu singing along to a political jingle reportedly associated with a politician. As someone who is concerned about the welfare of our children and the future of our democracy, I felt compelled to speak out.
Why do you consider the development particularly disturbing?
Children should not be turned into instruments of partisan political mobilisation. They are still at a formative stage of their lives and should be protected from political manipulation. Their education, safety, dignity and welfare should come first.
Are you saying children should have no knowledge of politics?
Not at all. There is a difference between civic education and partisan political mobilisation. We should educate children about citizenship, democracy, leadership and their responsibilities as future citizens. But that is completely different from involving them in partisan campaigns or using them to promote political interests.
What exactly do you find unacceptable about the alleged incident?
If the video is accurately represented and the children were deliberately involved in partisan political mobilisation, then it is unacceptable. Children should not be used as political tools. Politics should be conducted responsibly and within the bounds of the law and respect for human dignity.
You also described the situation as embarrassing to the community. Why?
It is unfortunate if a community begins attracting national attention because of an incident involving the alleged use of children in partisan politics. We should rather be attracting attention through completed roads, functional schools, improved healthcare facilities, youth empowerment programmes and other meaningful developments.
But what if the programme was simply a summer holiday or educational programme?
Summer lessons and educational programmes are welcome. I fully support initiatives that improve the academic performance and development of our children. However, such programmes must remain focused on education and welfare. They should not be converted into platforms for partisan political mobilisation.
Have you established who organised the programme or produced the political material?
I am not claiming to have established all the facts personally. That is precisely why I believe the appropriate authorities and relevant stakeholders should look into the matter. Allegations should be properly investigated, and conclusions should be based on evidence.
You called on the lawmaker representing the constituency to act. What exactly do you expect from him?
I expect the lawmaker representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency to condemn any established attempt to use children for partisan political activities. If people working under or around the political structure are found to have been involved, the appropriate steps should be taken to call them to order.
You also raised concerns about alleged attempts to register minors as voters. What is the basis of that concern?
I received information from some parents and elders expressing concern about alleged attempts to present underage persons for voter registration during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise. I am not presenting those allegations as established facts. I believe they deserve proper investigation.
What should INEC do if such allegations are brought before it?
The Independent National Electoral Commission should take every credible complaint seriously and investigate it. The credibility of elections depends on the integrity of the voters’ register. If anyone attempts to compromise the process by presenting ineligible persons for registration, that should be identified and dealt with according to the law.
What responsibility do parents have in this situation?
Parents have a fundamental responsibility to protect their children. They should know where their children are taken, what activities they participate in and who is influencing them. Parents should not allow political considerations to override the welfare and rights of their children.
What about traditional rulers and community leaders?
They have an equally important responsibility. Traditional rulers and community leaders are custodians of the values and wellbeing of their communities. They should discourage the involvement of minors in partisan political activities and ensure that community programmes serve the interests of the people.
Some may accuse you of turning the issue into politics because you are also a candidate. How do you respond?
My position is about protecting children and safeguarding the electoral process. The fact that I am a candidate does not remove my responsibility as a citizen to speak when I believe something is wrong. I would make the same call regardless of which political party or candidate was involved.
Do you believe political competition in the constituency has become too intense?
Political competition is normal in a democracy. What is unacceptable is allowing competition to destroy our values or compromise the welfare of vulnerable people, particularly children. Elections should be about ideas, programmes, competence and the ability to serve the people—not about manipulating children or compromising electoral rules.
What would you like to see happen regarding the viral video?
If it is established that the children were deliberately used in partisan political activities, the political content involving them should be immediately withdrawn or retracted. More importantly, those responsible should be called to order. We should also ensure that the children are not subjected to further political exploitation.
inally, what is your message to the people of Ugwulangwu and the wider Ohanivo constituency?
My message is simple: let us protect our children and protect our democracy. Parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, political parties and all residents should remain vigilant. If anyone attempts to involve minors in partisan political activities or compromise the electoral process, the matter should be reported to the appropriate authorities. Political ambition should never come at the expense of the rights, dignity and future of our children.
Elekwechi
