Ohanaeze Warns Politicians Against Rigging 2027 Elections in Igboland

(Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Photo by Daily Post)

The Igbo socio cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned against electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It says people in Igboland must not let anyone take away their right to choose their leaders.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, the group's factional Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, urged voters to use the polls to hold officeholders and lawmakers accountable.

They said leaders who have failed the people should face the ballot box.

Ohanaeze said no unpopular politician should expect automatic support, and no official should be allowed to force themselves on voters.

It raised concern about reports that some desperate politicians are trying to bribe electoral officials and manipulate the process.

The statement told compromised officials not to let politicians use them to steal votes.

It said anyone involved in electoral fraud must be identified, investigated and punished.

The group urged INEC to make sure officials posted to Igboland act with integrity and impartiality.

It also asked Igbo people to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, vote peacefully for their preferred candidates, refuse inducements, resist intimidation and report malpractice through legal channels.

The warning covers the seven Igbo speaking states as well as Igbo communities in Anioma in Delta State and Ikwerre in Rivers State.

Ohanaeze also called on INEC to guarantee transparent elections and act firmly against any official who compromises the process.

It said the 2027 polls must reflect the real choices of the people and that no one is above the law.