The foremost traditional ruler in Igboland, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has told people of the South East region to abandon their long-standing reluctance to vote, warning that staying home on election day while complaining of marginalisation is self-defeating.
The monarch spoke at the weekend at the Imeobi Palace, Onitsha, during his address at the 25th Ofala Festival on the throne of Ezechima .
His intervention comes barely three months before the January 2027 general elections.
The Obi of Onitsha, a first-class traditional ruler and chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, has repeatedly used the Ofala platform to address national issues.
“I call on the people of the South East States to shake off their historical apathy towards elections. We cannot stay away from elections and turn around to complain of marginalisation,” he said .
He added: “In democracy, all votes count. Therefore, we must come out and vote for our candidates.”
A Call for Issue-Based Campaigns
The royal father also demanded a violence-free election in 2027. He asked political actors to focus on issues and debate good governance rather than resort to attacks.
“The national elections are barely three months away. Expectedly, the attention of the political class has increasingly turned to political positioning, and away from governance,” he said .
Achebe called on traditional rulers, religious institutions, town unions and civil society organisations to intensify advocacy and mobilisation for free and fair elections.
He also said political parties must reject violence and run healthy, issue-based campaigns so voters can make informed choices.
Osun Election as a Test Case
The monarch pointed to the recent off-cycle governorship election in Osun State as a marker for the coming national polls.
He said the exercise showed robust campaigning, massive voter turnout and reasonable performance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), except for reports of violence and intimidation.
“The election has become a marker for the coming national elections, and all eyes are on INEC to deliver free and fair outcomes,” he said.
Achebe also expressed concern about rising hardship in Nigeria, which he said has pushed more citizens below the poverty line. He said unending insecurity in most parts of the country has worsened the situation.
“We plead with Mr. President to give urgent attention to the dire situation on the ground,” he said.
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