2027 race deepens Nigeria’s crisis — Obi of Onitsha

By Musa Kutama, Calabar

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has raised alarm over politicians prioritizing the 2027 general elections at the expense of effective governance.

Speaking at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, October 17, 2025, the traditional ruler censured the political elite for focusing on early electoral alliances while millions of Nigerians grapple with hunger, poverty and insecurity.

Igwe Achebe cautioned that this shift in focus from governance to electioneering is exacerbating the nation’s economic and social problems.

He urged that neglecting governance in favour of political ambitions threatens to deepen the hardships and instability affecting ordinary citizens.

The monarch also highlighted the rising cost of living as a heavy burden on Nigerians, despite efforts to implement economic reforms.

Igwe said, “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.

“Ordinary Nigerians are paying the price of neglect as hardship deepens nationwide despite ongoing economic reforms. Our poverty rate has risen from 40 per cent in 2018 to 46 per cent in 2023, translating to about 104 million Nigerians now classified as poor, according to the World Bank Development Report on Nigeria.

“The reality on the ground is dire. The unending violence in most parts of the country continues to affect the agricultural sector very seriously.”

While acknowledging that the Federal Government was implementing “laudable macroeconomic stabilisation measures,” Achebe urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in distributing palliatives to vulnerable citizens.

The Obi, in a Punch report advised that relief materials must reach the intended beneficiaries directly and not be derailed by corruption or bureaucracy.

Turning to the South-East, the monarch expressed concern over insecurity and its economic toll on the region, describing the recent conviction of Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa as a “potential turning point.”

Citing a report by SBM Intelligence titled Four Years of Disruption, Achebe said the South-East economy had lost about ₦7.6tn since 2021 due to insecurity and the sit-at-home disruptions.

“The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South-East continues to mutate in different forms. We pray that the recent conviction in Finland of Simon Ekpa will contribute to a general reduction of violent crime in 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 added.

On the upcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 8, Achebe called for peace, transparency, and voter participation, lamenting the low turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

“In the first week of the INEC registration exercise, only 2,482 persons pre-registered online across four South-East states, excluding Anambra, compared to 848,359 in the South-West. This is alarming and demands urgent mobilisation by our leaders,” he said.

Despite the somber national mood, the 2025 Ofala Festival — the 24th edition — retained its cultural splendour, with dignitaries, traditional rulers, and visitors from within and outside the country in attendance.

Marking his 24th Ofala celebration since ascending the throne in 2002, Achebe urged Nigerians to remain resilient and united, according to the Punch.

“Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ It was a call on our people to consolidate on our breakthroughs and galvanise for the challenges ahead. That message remains as relevant today as ever,” the monarch said.