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.