The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has warned against electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the people of Igboland must not allow anyone to subvert their constitutional right to freely elect their leaders.
The organisation urged Ndigbo to use the 2027 elections to hold political officeholders and elected representatives accountable, stressing that those who have failed the people should face the verdict of the ballot box.
Ohanaeze said no unpopular politician should expect automatic electoral support, adding that no political officeholder should be allowed to impose himself or herself on the electorate.
The pan-Igbo organisation expressed concern over allegations that some desperate politicians were attempting to compromise electoral officials and manipulate the electoral process.
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This was contained in a joint press statement issued on Friday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Acting Secretary-General, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, and made available to journalists.
The statement read, “Our message to compromised electoral officials is straightforward. Do not allow politicians to use you to steal the people’s votes.
“Anyone who participates in electoral fraud must be identified, investigated and made to face the full consequences of the law.”
Ohanaeze urged Ndigbo to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, turn out peacefully and vote for candidates of their choice.
It also urged voters to reject inducements, resist intimidation and report electoral malpractice through lawful channels, warning that political thugs must not be allowed to dictate the choices of citizens.
The organisation said its warning covered the seven Igbo-speaking states and Igbo communities, including Anioma in Delta State and Ikwerre in Rivers State.
“No community must be denied its democratic rights or excluded from the protection of a credible electoral process,” it said.
Ohanaeze further called on INEC to guarantee transparent elections, protect the integrity of the ballot and take decisive action against any official found compromising the process.
It maintained that the 2027 elections must reflect the genuine choices of the people, adding that nobody was above the law or had the right to steal the people’s mandate.
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