Ohanaeze Warns Against Electoral Manipulation, Urges Ndigbo to Reject Failed Politicians in 2027

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has warned politicians and electoral officials against manipulating the 2027 general elections, insisting that voters in Igboland must be allowed to freely choose their leaders.

The organisation urged Ndigbo to use the elections to hold elected representatives and political officeholders accountable, stressing that politicians who have failed to deliver on their promises should not expect automatic support at the polls.

Ohanaeze maintained that no unpopular politician should be imposed on the electorate, adding that the people must be free to determine who represents them through a credible electoral process.

The organisation also expressed concern over allegations that some politicians were attempting to compromise electoral officials ahead of the polls. It warned that anyone involved in electoral fraud must be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The position was contained in a joint statement issued on Friday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary-General, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa.

In the statement, the organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that officials deployed to Igboland conduct themselves with integrity, impartiality and professionalism.

It also urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, participate peacefully in the elections and support candidates of their choice. Voters were advised to reject inducements, resist intimidation and report electoral malpractice through lawful channels.

Ohanaeze further warned against the activities of political thugs, insisting that no group should be allowed to intimidate citizens or dictate their electoral choices.

The organisation said its concerns extended across the seven Igbo-speaking states and Igbo communities in other parts of the country, including Anioma in Delta State and Ikwerre in Rivers State.

It called on INEC to guarantee transparent elections, protect the integrity of the ballot and take decisive action against officials found compromising the process.

Ohanaeze said the 2027 elections must reflect the genuine choices of voters, stressing that no politician or individual should be allowed to undermine the people’s constitutional right to elect their leaders.