2027: Ohanaeze Warns Politicians Against Rigging, Urges Ndigbo to Defend Their Votes

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has warned politicians, political parties and electoral officials against manipulating the 2027 general elections, insisting that the votes of the Igbo people must count.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation declared that it would not accept vote theft, falsification of election results or the imposition of political leaders against the wishes of the electorate.

The warning was contained in a statement jointly signed by the organisation’s Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and its Acting Secretary-General, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa.

Ohanaeze maintained that no governor, political party or influential politician had the right to undermine the constitutional right of Ndigbo to choose their leaders freely.

The organisation urged Igbo people across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, as well as Igbo-speaking communities in Delta and Rivers states, to remain vigilant and protect their votes through peaceful and lawful means.

It disclosed that its highest decision-making organ, Imeobi, had approved a proposed Igbo blueprint for the 2027 elections, focusing on voter participation, political accountability and the prevention of electoral malpractice.

The group called on eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in the elections and monitor voting, counting, collation and the announcement of results.

It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and credibility throughout the electoral process, stressing that declared results must reflect the actual votes cast.

Ohanaeze invoked the cultural symbolism of the Nzọgbu Nzọgbu spirit and the traditional deity Amadioha to underscore what it described as the determination of Ndigbo to resist injustice and defend their democratic rights.

However, the organisation urged the people to channel their resolve into peaceful resistance and constitutionally recognised actions rather than violence.

It further called on political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and urged voters to assess aspirants based on their records, competence, integrity and commitment to public service rather than party affiliation.

The group also demanded stronger electoral laws and effective prosecution of offenders, calling on the National Assembly to address loopholes that could facilitate electoral fraud.

It urged security agencies and election officials to discharge their duties impartially and protect voters from intimidation, coercion, vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.

Ohanaeze also called for greater accountability in local government administration, insisting that allegations of financial misconduct involving public funds should be investigated and proven offenders prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The organisation reiterated that the 2027 elections should reflect the genuine choices of Nigerians and warned that no political ambition justified the manipulation of election results.

It urged Ndigbo to remain united, participate in the electoral process and defend their democratic rights peacefully as the country prepares for the next general elections.