The apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the people of Igboland to resist any moves to manipulate the 2027 general elections and to insist on freely choosing their leaders.
In a joint statement released on Friday by factional Deputy President-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Acting Secretary-General Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the organisation said Ndigbo should use the polls to hold underperforming politicians and elected officials accountable. It stressed that no unpopular officeholder should expect automatic support or be allowed to impose themselves on voters.
Ohanaeze expressed worry over claims that some desperate politicians were trying to compromise electoral officials and distort the process. It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that staff posted to Igboland act with integrity, impartiality and professionalism.
“Our message to compromised electoral officials is straightforward. Do not allow politicians to use you to steal the people’s votes,” the statement said. “Anyone who participates in electoral fraud must be identified, investigated and made to face the full consequences of the law.”The group advised Ndigbo to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, turn out peacefully, vote for candidates of their choice, reject bribes, resist intimidation and report malpractice through proper channels. It warned that political thugs must not be allowed to dictate the outcome.
The warning covers the seven Igbo-speaking states as well as Igbo communities such as Anioma in Delta State and Ikwerre in Rivers State. “No community must be denied its democratic rights or excluded from the protection of a credible electoral process,” Ohanaeze stated.It further urged INEC to deliver transparent elections, safeguard the ballot and act decisively against any official found undermining the process, insisting that the 2027 elections must reflect the genuine will of the people and that no one is above the law or entitled to steal the people’s mandate.
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