Obi of Onitsha Laments Politicians’ Focus on 2027 over Governance

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has criticised Nigerian politicians for abandoning governance to focus on political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, Achebe said the neglect of governance amid worsening poverty, hunger, and insecurity was deepening hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

He noted that poverty had risen from 40% in 2018 to 46% in 2023, affecting about 104 million people, according to the World Bank, and warned that political self-interest was worsening national instability.

While acknowledging ongoing macroeconomic reforms, Achebe urged transparency in the distribution of palliatives to ensure they reach genuine beneficiaries.

Turning to the South-East, the monarch lamented the region’s economic losses due to insecurity, citing a report by SBM Intelligence that estimated losses of ₦7.6 trillion since 2021. He expressed hope that the conviction of Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa would help reduce violent crime.

Achebe also appealed for peaceful and credible conduct of the upcoming Anambra governorship election on November 8, urging citizens to participate actively in the voter registration exercise.