Igwe Alfred Achebe warns that staying away from the 2027 polls will only fuel ongoing marginalisation in Nigeria.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has issued a strong warning to residents of the South East states. He urged the local population to abandon their historical electoral apathy ahead of the upcoming January 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the Imeobi Palace during his 25th Ofala Festival, the traditional ruler emphasized that citizens cannot boycott the voting process and later complain about political marginalisation. He stressed that every vote matters in a true democracy.
The royal father delivered these remarks during a landmark cultural celebration that also marked 500 years of unbroken monarchy in the kingdom, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Why South East Voters Must Participate in 2027
The Obi of Onitsha stated that it is absolute folly for people to stay away from the ballot boxes. He noted that democratic elections offer the primary opportunity for the electorate to select capable leaders who can deliver good governance.
He called on non-partisan stakeholder groups, religious institutions, town unions, and civil society organizations to intensify advocacy efforts. Mobilization and enlightenment campaigns are vital to ensure robust voter participation and fair outcomes.
The Call for Violence-Free Democratic Elections
Addressing the political class, the monarch demanded peace and stability during the electoral cycle. He urged political actors to completely abhor violence and focus instead on issue-based campaigns and robust debates.
He pointed to the recent off-cycle governorship election in Osun State as a positive marker for the coming national elections. That exercise demonstrated a massive voter turnout and a reasonable performance by the Independent National Election Commission.
Addressing Economic Hardship and National Insecurity
Beyond electoral matters, the revered traditional ruler lamented the increasing hardship pushing more citizens below the poverty line. He stated that this economic suffering is heavily worsened by unending insecurity across most parts of the country.
In his address, the monarch made a direct appeal to the federal government. He pleaded with the president to give urgent attention to the dire security and economic situation currently affecting ordinary citizens nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Obi of Onitsha say about the 2027 elections?
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, urged South East voters to shake off their historical apathy and participate actively in the January 2027 general elections to avoid future marginalisation.
Where did the royal father deliver his speech?
The monarch delivered his address at the Imeobi Palace in Onitsha while celebrating his 25th Ofala Festival and marking 500 years of unbroken monarchy in the kingdom.
What did the monarch say about national insecurity?
Igwe Alfred Achebe lamented that unending insecurity and severe economic hardship have pushed more citizens below the poverty line, pleading with the president for urgent intervention.
