The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has called on residents of the South-East region to take part actively in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking on Friday during the annual Ofala Festival at Eze Chima Square in Onitsha, Anambra State, the monarch warned that failing to vote would considerably weaken the political influence of the region. The festival, which marks more than five centuries of the Onitsha monarchy, was held under the theme “Oga n’Iru, Deliberate Progress” to highlight the importance of unity, responsibility, and purposeful community development.
During his address, Igwe Achebe urged Ndigbo to overcome their historical indifference toward the electoral process, stating explicitly: “Still on the national elections, 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.” In addition to encouraging local turnout, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to guarantee transparent, fair, and credible polls, while urging traditional institutions, religious bodies, town unions, and civil society groups to raise public awareness.
The traditional ruler also expressed deep concern over pressing national issues, including widespread hunger, high unemployment, poor healthcare access, and general insecurity. He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable and impoverished Nigerians, while cautioning political parties and candidates to keep their campaigns peaceful and issue-based.
Concluding his remarks, the monarch reviewed the achievements of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation, emphasizing the need to evaluate its progress after five years and refine its community programs. He further encouraged the people of Onitsha to draw strength from ancestral resilience, protect their cultural heritage, and drive collective community growth.
