The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has lamented that many Nigerian politicians have abandoned governance for early political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, while millions of citizens continue to grapple with poverty, hunger, and insecurity.
Speaking during the 2025 Ofala Festival held on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State, the monarch said the growing obsession of the political class with electoral alliances and self-preservation was worsening the nation’s economic and social challenges.
“The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections. New alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall. There is a distinct impression that these efforts are largely for self-preservation and material benefit,” Achebe said.
He noted that ordinary Nigerians are paying the price of such neglect as the cost of living continues to soar despite ongoing economic reforms. Citing the World Bank Development Report on Nigeria, Achebe observed that the country’s poverty rate rose from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in 2023, amounting to about 104 million Nigerians living in poverty.
The traditional ruler warned that if the political class continues to prioritise electoral ambitions over governance, the country could face deeper hardship and instability.
While acknowledging Federal Government efforts toward macroeconomic stabilisation, Achebe urged transparency and accountability in the distribution of palliatives and relief materials, stressing that such interventions must reach the intended beneficiaries rather than be lost to corruption or bureaucracy.
Turning his attention to the South-East, the Obi expressed concern over the region’s worsening insecurity and the devastating impact of violence and sit-at-home disruptions on its economy. He referenced an SBM Intelligence report which estimated that the South-East had lost about ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to insecurity.
Achebe described the recent conviction of Finland-based separatist Simon Ekpa as a “potential turning point,” expressing hope that it could lead to a reduction in violent activities across the region.
“This is the moment for deep reflection among Ndigbo. Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us,” he said.
On the upcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, the monarch called for peaceful participation, transparency, and increased voter registration, noting with concern that only 2,482 people had pre-registered online in the South-East compared to 848,359 in the South-West.
Despite his somber assessment of national issues, the 24th Ofala Festival retained its rich cultural grandeur, attracting dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests from across Nigeria and abroad.
Marking his 24th Ofala celebration since ascending the throne in 2002, Achebe urged Nigerians to remain resilient, united, and hopeful, reiterating last year’s theme:
“Better. Stronger. Together. It remains a call on our people to consolidate on our breakthroughs and galvanise for the challenges ahead.”
