Union Of Udu Communities Leadership Race: An Appeal For Credible Elections

The events of the last few days have been interesting, and at the same time intriguing. They have inspired hope of a brighter future for Udu, as well as gave a hint of a bleak one. Hence, the need for this urgent appeal to His Royal Majesty, Uduovo for his fatherly intervention.

Election is now important part of our lives, especially as it has become a measure of conferring legitimacy on any leadership, be it political, sócio-cultural or religious. As we have come to see, even potential Kings are made to undergo a seeming electoral process, whereby the best among equals emerges. This system has been extended to other leadership structures, including community based groups. In vast majority of cases, elections, particularly the keenly contested ones, have become hallmarks of emplacing greater responsibilities on the winner. It raises expectations and hopes, which are key to driving the development process of a people. History has showed that there is no potent stimulant in uniting a people than having a candidate emerge through a popular vote. This wisdom may influenced the drafters of the UUC constitution.

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Our appeal for a credible election has become necessary following rumors that a candidate has been handpicked among the two candidates for the election to the post of President General of the Union of Udu Communities (UUC). We note the unnecessary but expected disenchantments these accusations are already creating across communities in Udu Kingdom. People are beginning to allege nonexistent arguments. These accusations may not be truth, but could make impressions on people’s minds if they are not dispelled by the appropriate authorities, which in this case, is the Ovie-in-Council.

While awaiting the intervention of the Palace regarding the conduct of an election, we feel obligated to lend our voice to ongoing calls for the next crop of UUC leaders to be decided through a democratic system. We strongly believe that allowing elections to hold will promote community involvement in the leadership process and deepen the sense of inclusion.

This forthcoming UUC Convention provides an opportunity for Udu Kingdom to build on the electoral successes that was achieved by the emergence of the outgoing UUC leadership. We cannot afford to rollback these electoral achievements.

League of Udu Professionals (LUP)