The Owerri Zone Media Practitioners Association (OZOMPA) has welcomed the lifting of the ban on political campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and has called on all political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly, with emphasis on issues that directly affect the people.
OZOMPA particularly urged political actors contesting the 2027 General Election in Imo State, especially those seeking elective positions within Owerri Zone, to embrace issue-based campaigns devoid of personal attacks, character assassination, hate speech, inflammatory statements, misinformation and other forms of political violence.
The Association which made its position known in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman Comrade Chinedu Opara, and Publicly Secretary, Comrade Dan Opara, said it believes that the lifting of the campaign restriction would provide an opportunity for candidates and political parties to present their manifestos, programmes, policies and development plans to the electorate, rather than engaging in campaigns centred on insults, propaganda and unnecessary political tension.
OZOMPA therefore called on all political parties, candidates, campaign organisations and their supporters to respect the peace and tranquillity of the nine Local Government Areas that make up Owerri Zone, to ensure that political activities do not threaten the peaceful coexistence of residents.
The Association further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and media practitioners to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace before, during and after the 2027 General Election.
OZOMPA maintained that political competition should be about ideas, competence, accountability, character, leadership capacity and verifiable records of service, rather than division and violence.
The Association also calls on the media to provide a professional platform for all candidates and political parties to communicate their programmes to the electorate while upholding the principles of fairness, accuracy, balance and responsible journalism.
OZOMPA urged the people of Owerri Zone to remain vigilant, peaceful and discerning, and to assess candidates based on their policies, qualifications, track records and capacity to deliver good governance, stressing that Owerri Zone belongs to all of us. and as such its peace must be protected by all of us.
