The Igbo Community Association in Abuja has issued a firm call to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding a complete departure from the flaws of the past as the nation looks toward the 2027 general elections. The group made it clear that the level of irregularities and electoral malpractices witnessed during the 2023 polls will not be accepted in the next round of voting.
The association’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary General, Emmanuel Onah, emphasized that Nigerians have become far more vigilant. They warned that citizens are no longer willing to stand by while their votes are manipulated or stolen, noting that the public is ready to protect the integrity of the ballot box at all costs.
The association urged INEC to justify the massive budgetary allocations it receives by delivering a more efficient and transparent process. They stressed that it is time for the commission to earn back the trust of the Nigerian people by ensuring that the results announced truly reflect the will of the electorate. To this end, the group has already set up a voter registration committee with specific targets across all local government areas in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure their members are fully prepared.
A major part of the message was a direct appeal to Igbo residents in Abuja to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise. The leadership argued that the significant demographic presence of the Igbo community in the capital is a powerful tool that must be used strategically. Rather than relying on the politics of protest, the group is advocating for a “politics of participation,” where the community’s collective voting strength becomes its greatest asset.
The statement highlighted that in a modern democracy, the ballot is the only legitimate way to secure leadership that represents the people’s interests. By identifying registration centers and mobilizing members, the association aims to turn the spirit of unity into a formidable force at the polls. They concluded by vowing to ensure that every vote cast is not only counted but also vigorously protected, ensuring that the final outcome is a true reflection of the people’s choice.
