Jelili Gbadamosi
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the people of the South-East and other Igbo-speaking communities to take deliberate steps to protect their votes and ensure that their choices are respected in the 2027 general elections.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in the electoral process and remain vigilant from voting through the counting and declaration of results.
The call was made 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, which it described as its highest decision-making organ, had approved an Igbo Blueprint for the 2027 elections, with emphasis on voter mobilisation, electoral accountability and protection of the people’s mandate.
Ohanaeze advised voters not to allow political parties or influential individuals to determine their choices, urging them to assess candidates based on competence, integrity, previous performance and commitment to the welfare of the people.
It also urged voters to monitor the electoral process closely, particularly during voting, counting, collation and the announcement of results.
The organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a free, fair, transparent and credible election, stressing that declared results must accurately reflect the votes cast by Nigerians.
Ohanaeze warned politicians, political parties and electoral officials against manipulating the electoral process or using their positions and influence to impose candidates on the electorate.
It specifically condemned practices such as vote-buying, intimidation, ballot snatching, coercion and manipulation of election results, urging citizens to resist such acts through lawful and peaceful channels.
The organisation said its mobilisation efforts would cover Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, as well as Igbo-speaking communities in Delta State, including Anioma, and Rivers State, including Ikwerre communities.
It also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to encourage voter participation and promote peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections.
Beyond the general elections, Ohanaeze urged citizens to pay closer attention to local government administration and the management of public funds.
The organisation said voters should demand accountability from elected officials and support investigations and prosecution where public funds, including local government allocations, are allegedly diverted or misappropriated.
Ohanaeze further called on the National Assembly to strengthen the country’s electoral laws, address loopholes that facilitate electoral malpractice and ensure that offenders are properly investigated and prosecuted.
According to the organisation, the 2027 elections present an opportunity for Ndigbo to demonstrate political awareness and deepen democratic accountability by making their votes count.
It maintained that political office, financial influence or party affiliation should not be allowed to override the will of the electorate.
Ohanaeze therefore urged Ndigbo to remain united, obtain their PVCs, participate actively in the elections and defend their constitutional right to freely choose their leaders without fear or intimidation.
