The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has urged Southeast citizens to actively participate in the 2027 general elections, saying that low voter turnout may diminish the region’s political power.
The monarch made the call yesterday at the Eze Chima Square, Onitsha in Anambra State, during this year’s Ofala Festival, Channels TV reports.
The festival themed, “Oga n’Iru, Deliberate Progress” celebrates over 500 years of Onitsha reign.
Achebe challenged Ndigbo to shake off the “historical apathy” toward elections, adding that they could not complain about marginalisation while keeping away from the electoral process.
“Still on the national elections, I urge the people of the Southeast States to wake up from their historical apathy toward elections. “We cannot run away from elections and then turn about to complain of marginalisation. In democracy, all votes are equal. So we must come out and vote for our candidates,” he urged.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
The traditional ruler voiced worry about the economic and security difficulties facing Nigeria, such as hunger, unemployment, limited access to healthcare and insecurity.
He urged political parties and candidates to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns, and called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to pay attention to the concerns of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Achebe also called on traditional rulers, religious bodies, municipal unions and civil society groups to mobilise voters and create public awareness ahead of the polls.
The monarch stated on the theme of the festival, “Oga n’Iru, Deliberate Progress”, there was the need for togetherness, responsibility and purposeful progress.
He urged the Onitsha people to emulate the fortitude of their forefathers, preserve their cultural heritage and fight for the progress of the community.
The monarch also took a review of the activities of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation, stressing the need to analyse the successes of the Foundation after five years and strengthen its programs to the benefit of the community.
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