The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has voiced grave concerns over the increasing tendency of politicians to prioritize political maneuvering over genuine governance in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. He warns that this shift is exacerbating the already dire situations of poverty, insecurity, and hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, Achebe lamented how political activity has overshadowed urgent efforts needed to tackle pressing economic and social issues in the nation. “The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections,” he stated. “New alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall, primarily for self-preservation and material benefit.”
The monarch underscored that these political distractions come at a significant cost to the everyday Nigerian, who is struggling with increasing food prices, unemployment, and insecurity. He stated, “Ordinary Nigerians are paying the price of neglect as hardship deepens nationwide despite ongoing economic reforms.” Citing the World Bank Development Report on Nigeria, he highlighted that the country’s poverty rate has skyrocketed from 40% in 2018 to 46% in 2023, equating to approximately 104 million individuals now classified as poor.
Achebe raised alarms over the continued insecurity—particularly in rural areas—that hampers agricultural production and threatens food security. “The reality on the ground is dire,” he said, pointing out that ongoing violence severely impacts the agricultural sector.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s “laudable macroeconomic stabilization measures,” Achebe called for transparency and equity in the distribution of relief materials, urging that they reach intended beneficiaries directly without interference from corruption or bureaucracy.
Regarding the South-East region, he described the insecurity present there as a substantial barrier to development and investment. He referenced a report by SBM Intelligence, titled “Four Years of Disruption,” which estimated that the region lost around ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to violence and sit-at-home disruptions. “The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South-East continues to mutate in different forms,” he remarked, expressing hope that the recent conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland would contribute to reducing violent crime in the area.
Achebe urged Igbo leaders to engage in “deep reflection” and unite for peace and progress, cautioning that “Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us.”
On the upcoming Anambra governorship election, scheduled for November 8, the Obi of Onitsha urged for peace, transparency, and increased voter participation. He expressed concern over a low turnout in the ongoing voter registration process, noting, “In the first week of the INEC registration exercise, only 2,482 people pre-registered online across four South-East states, excluding Anambra, compared to 848,359 in the South-West. This is alarming and demands urgent mobilization by our leaders.”
Despite these challenges, Achebe emphasized that the 2025 Ofala Festival—his 24th since ascending the throne in 2002—remains a beacon of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. “Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ We encouraged our people to consolidate our breakthroughs and galvanize for upcoming challenges. That message remains as relevant today as ever,” he concluded.
