2027 Polls: Achebe to Ndigbo — ‘End Voter Apathy or Forget Complaints of Marginalisation’

By Praise Chinecherem

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has urged Ndigbo to overcome voter apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the South-East cannot continue to complain of political marginalisation while failing to participate actively in the electoral process.

Achebe gave the warning on Friday during his 25th Ofala Festival on the throne of Ezechima, themed “Igba Mbo, Iga n’iru” (Strive and Advance: From Resilience to Progress).

The monarch stressed that active participation in elections was essential for the South-East to strengthen its political representation and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic process.

“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.

“In democracy, all votes count. Therefore, we must come out and vote for our candidates,” he said.

Achebe expressed concern that political actors were increasingly focused on political positioning rather than governance as preparations for the 2027 general elections gathered momentum.

He described elections as opportunities for citizens to choose leaders capable of delivering effective governance and improving their welfare.

The traditional ruler urged non-partisan stakeholder groups, including traditional institutions, religious organisations, town unions and civil society organisations, to intensify voter education, mobilisation and advocacy for credible elections.

“Democratic elections are opportunities for the electorate to select the candidates that would deliver the best governance,” he said.

Achebe also called on political parties to shun violence and intimidation, urging them to engage in peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would enable voters to make informed choices.

He noted that recent off-cycle governorship elections had demonstrated the importance of robust campaigns and voter participation, while stressing that the reported incidents of violence and intimidation remained a source of concern.

The monarch said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would face increasing scrutiny as Nigerians looked forward to credible outcomes in the 2027 elections.

The Obi of Onitsha also lamented the worsening economic hardship in the country, saying the situation had pushed more Nigerians below the poverty line.

He identified persistent insecurity in several parts of the country as a major factor worsening the suffering of citizens and called on the Federal Government to urgently provide relief for the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.

Reflecting on his previous Ofala address, Achebe said the country’s socioeconomic conditions had deteriorated further, despite concerns raised over the challenges confronting Nigerians.

He cited a World Bank development update which, according to him, estimated that about 104 million Nigerians were classified as poor in 2023.

The monarch expressed concern over the growing difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, particularly those struggling to afford food, healthcare and other basic necessities.

He urged the government to prioritise policies and interventions that would alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable households.

Achebe also expressed concern over what he described as the politicisation of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria’s visit to President Bola Tinubu.

He said the bishops had raised concerns about persistent insecurity and the severe economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, but some government officials allegedly responded by framing the engagement along religious lines.

According to the monarch, the issues raised by the religious leaders transcended political, religious and ethnic affiliations and deserved urgent national attention.

“Unfortunately, some government officials politicised the visit by claiming that the bishops spoke only for their congregation. The officials asserted that all was well in the country.

“But, truth be told, the issues raised transcend political, religious and ethnic partisanship,” he said.

Achebe identified hunger, unemployment, poor access to healthcare and insecurity as major challenges undermining human development across the country.

He appealed to President Tinubu to give urgent attention to the worsening situation, stressing that the concerns raised by the bishops reflected broader national challenges.

“We plead with Mr President to give urgent attention to the dire situation on the ground,” the monarch added.

Highlighting developments in Onitsha over the past year, Achebe disclosed that a joint operation involving the police and vigilante operatives had ended the illegal occupation of more than 50 per cent of uncompleted buildings within Onitsha Inland Town.

He said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to improve security and protect residents and businesses in the commercial city.

The monarch also commended the local vigilante group for the arrest of a suspected criminal identified as Ifeanyi Ogbogu.

According to Achebe, the suspect was accused of burgling homes and shops and was handed over to the police alongside properties worth millions of naira recovered during the operation.

He said the security interventions demonstrated the importance of collaboration between security agencies and community-based organisations in tackling crime.

Achebe’s address at the Ofala Festival highlighted the need for greater civic participation, accountable leadership, improved security and urgent action to address the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

His warning to Ndigbo underscored the importance of electoral participation in determining political representation and shaping governance outcomes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

#