By Jelili Gbadamosi
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged eligible voters in the South-East and other Igbo-speaking communities to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in the 2027 general elections.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said increased voter participation, political awareness and vigilance would be critical to protecting the people’s mandate during the elections.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the factional Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa.
The organisation said its Imeobi, described as its highest decision-making organ, had approved an Igbo Blueprint for the 2027 elections, focusing on voter participation, electoral accountability and the protection of votes.
Ohanaeze urged Ndigbo to remain vigilant from the commencement of voting through counting, collation and the declaration of results.
It said voters should assess candidates based on their competence, integrity, performance and commitment to the interests of the people rather than automatically supporting candidates because of their political parties.
The organisation also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, transparent and credible, with declared results reflecting the actual votes cast.
Ohanaeze further warned politicians, political parties and electoral officials against attempting to manipulate the electoral process or prevent voters from freely choosing their leaders.
It said no governor, political party, electoral official or influential politician was above the law or entitled to impose political leaders on the people.
The organisation said any attempt to engage in vote-buying, intimidation, ballot snatching, coercion or manipulation of election results should be resisted through lawful and peaceful means.
The call covers Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, as well as Igbo-speaking communities in Delta State, including Anioma, and Rivers State, including Ikwerre communities.
Ohanaeze also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to mobilise voters and promote peaceful participation in the electoral process.
The group demanded greater accountability in local government administration, urging voters to scrutinise the management of public funds and calling for investigation and prosecution where diversion or misappropriation of allocations is established.
It also called on the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws, close loopholes that encourage malpractice and ensure that electoral offenders are effectively investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Ohanaeze said the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for Ndigbo to demonstrate political consciousness and strengthen democratic accountability.
It maintained that the people’s votes should determine their political leadership, warning that political influence, financial strength or public office should not be used to undermine the electoral process.
The organisation therefore urged Ndigbo to remain united, participate actively in the elections and exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
