“Vote Freely for Your Preferred Candidate, But Not in the Name of the Community” — Obi Onitsha Tells Residents

The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, has urged residents and indigenes of Onitsha to actively participate in the November 8 Anambra governorship election while maintaining the community’s neutrality.

In a statement issued through his chief of staff, Osita Anionwu, the Obi-in-Council emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to associate politically and to support candidates individually. He stressed that Onitsha indigenes are free to join political parties or back candidates, but not in the name of the community or its constituent groups.

“As a multi-party democracy, every citizen has the inalienable right to belong to, attend rallies, and canvass for any political party of his or her choice without coercion or force,” the statement said. It added that for communal cohesion, all Onitsha groups remain politically non-partisan and cooperate with duly elected governments at all levels.

The council noted that some chiefs and group leaders had been invited to political rallies but clarified that such participation was strictly personal. “It must be clearly understood that such individuals participate in these activities privately and not as representatives of their constituent groups, as they have no mandate to do so,” the statement added.

The Obi-in-Council encouraged all eligible voters in Onitsha to take part in voter registration and the forthcoming election, urging them to vote freely without fear or intimidation. It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a transparent and peaceful poll.