The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has raised concerns over the growing trend of politicians prioritizing political maneuvering over governance, warning that this shift is worsening poverty, insecurity, and hardship for ordinary Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, the monarch lamented that early politicking has overshadowed efforts to address the nation’s pressing economic and social challenges. “The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 elections,” Achebe said. “New alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall, and it appears many of these efforts are for self-preservation and personal gain.”
He highlighted the human cost of this neglect, pointing to rising food prices, unemployment, and insecurity. “Ordinary Nigerians are paying the price as hardship deepens nationwide despite ongoing economic reforms,” he said. Citing the World Bank Development Report on Nigeria, Achebe noted that the poverty rate has climbed from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in 2023, meaning roughly 104 million Nigerians now live in poverty.
Achebe also drew attention to the impact of insecurity on agriculture and food production. “The reality on the ground is dire,” he said. “The unending violence in many parts of the country is crippling the agricultural sector and threatening food security.” While acknowledging some of the Federal Government’s macroeconomic stabilization measures, he urged transparency in the distribution of relief materials to ensure they reach those who truly need them.
Focusing on the South-East, the monarch described insecurity as a major barrier to development and investment. Referencing a report by SBM Intelligence, Four Years of Disruption, he noted that the region has lost an estimated ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to violence and sit-at-home disruptions. “The scourge of violence and kidnapping continues to mutate in different forms,” he said. Achebe also welcomed the recent conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland, expressing hope that it will contribute to reducing violent crime in the region.
He called on Igbo leaders to reflect deeply, unite, and work toward peace and progress. “Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind because of deliberate actions by a few purveyors of violence among us,” Achebe cautioned.
Addressing the upcoming Anambra governorship election on November 8, he urged peace, transparency, and increased voter participation. He expressed concern over low turnout in the ongoing voter registration, pointing out that in the first week, 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 calls for urgent mobilization by our leaders,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Achebe emphasized that the 2025 Ofala Festival his 24th since ascending the throne in 2002—remains a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. “Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ It was a call for our people to consolidate breakthroughs and prepare for challenges ahead,” he said. “That message is as relevant today as ever.”
