The Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Bishop Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, has asked political leaders from the South East region to stop attacking the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

Bishop Ibeabuchi, who was speaking on Saturday during the Diocesan Men’s Conference in Ude Ofeme, Umuahia, warned that attacks on Obi and division among South East leaders could undermine the region’s political interests.

The cleric questioned what he described as a consistent pattern of hostility among some Igbo leaders towards Obi, asking what they hoped to achieve by publicly attacking him and allegedly seeking information to implicate him.

Drawing a comparison with political developments in other parts of the country, Ibeabuchi said he had not observed what he considered similar levels of public attacks on prominent political figures by Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani leaders.

The bishop also criticised the role of Igbo leaders in the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), arguing that their position contrasted with what he described as the continued freedom of other groups.

His remarks reflected concerns about political representation, regional solidarity and the treatment of groups across Nigeria.

He urged Igbo leaders who disagreed with Obi’s style of approach to governance to refrain from personal attacks and concentrate on their own responsibilities.

“If you don’t like Mr Peter Obi, please keep quiet and mind your own business,” he advised.

The Anglican bishop also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver credible election results in 2027, warning the Professor Joash Amupitan-led commission to resist political interference and deliver transparent, free and fair polls.

He expressed concern over reports of potential manipulation of electoral processes, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and challenged INEC to address such threats through credible safeguards, transparency and institutional independence.

 2027:Stop attacking Peter Obi – Anglican Bishop cautions South East leaders

Defending champions Rangers maintained their position at the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a 2-2 draw against Barau FC.

Ifeanyi Okechukwu gave Rangers the lead seven minutes before the break.

Barau FC rallied with penalty goals in the second half through Joseph Atule and Aliyu Sugau.

Chidiebere Nwobodo, however, salvaged a point for the visitors in stoppage time.

At the New Jos Stadium, Kano Pillars suffered defeat in the NPFL for the first time this season, going down 4-0 to Plateau United.

Paul Samson, Ekundayo Ojo, Samuel Ayanrinde and Nenrot Silas got the goals for the home team.

Full results

Barau FC 2-2 Rangers

Abia Warriors 0-0 Rivers United

Kun Khalifat 2-0 Shooting Stars

Nasarawa United 2-0 Doma United

Plateau United 4-0 Kano Pillars

Sporting Lagos 2-1 Bendel Insurance

NPFL: Rangers hold Barau FC, Plateau United halt Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run