By Ovat Abeng
As the 2027 general election in Nigeria draw nearer, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure a free and fair process.
He also called on Nigeria government to make urgent provisions for the poorest in the society.
The Monarch’s calls were contained in his Royal message presented during this year 2026 Onitsha Ofala festival celebration, held at the Ezechima square in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, October 16th.
Presenting further, the Obi of Onitsha pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give urgent attention to the dire socioeconomic situation on the ground.
On the 2027 election, Igwe Achebe, noted that transparency and credibility in the upcoming electoral process is necessary because all eyes are on the commission to deliver free and fair outcomes.
According to him, “The national elections are barely three months away. Expectedly, the attention of the political class has increasingly turned to political positioning, and away from governance.
“Democratic elections are opportunities for the electorate to select the candidates that would deliver the best governance.
“It is, therefore, imperative for non-partisan stakeholder groups, including the traditional and religious institutions, town unions, and the civil society organizations, to intensify their advocacy, mobilization and enlightenment for free and fair elections.
“Also, the political parties must abhor violence and engage in healthy, issues-based campaigns to enable the electorate make the right choices.
“Except for the reports of violence and intimidation, the recent off-cycle governorship election in Osun State demonstrated robust campaign, massive turnout by voters, and a reasonable performance by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).
The election has become a marker for the coming national elections and all eyes are on INEC to deliver free and fair outcomes.
“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 marginalization.
“In Democracy, all votes count. Therefore, we must come out and vote for our candidates, the Monarch advocated.
He noted that the celebration that has clock 500 years of existence is a period of Onitsha annual rituals of gratitude to God for blessings received, atonement for the community shortcomings and supplication for sustained peace, harmony, and development in Onitsha Kingdom.
The theme for this year’s Ofala is “Igba mbo, Iga n’iru: (meaning Strive and Advance).”
The event also has in attendance, the 2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, Senator Tony Nwoye, security agencies, the media and other special guests.
