2027 Elections: Igwe 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 during his address at his 25th Ofala Festival.
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 and issue-based campaigns.
The monarch said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would face increasing scrutiny as Nigerians looked forward to credible outcomes in the 2027 elections.
His warning to Ndigbo underscored the importance of electoral participation in determining political representation and shaping governance outcomes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
