Emmanuel Clement
The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,has expressed deep concern over the abysmal performance of the Southeast region in the recent INEC Online Voters Registration Exercise.
The region recorded a paltry 1,998 registrations out of 1.3 million nationwide, with Anambra State failing to register a single voter.
In a press release signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro,the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Chief Thompson Ohia,the National Spokesman Ohanaeze Ndigbo,the apex group stated that the region’s dismal showing is attributed to the failure of its leaders to mobilize and inform citizens about the registration exercise, noting that Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds the Southeast governors, particularly Governor Chukwuma Soludo and former Governor Peter Obi, accountable for the oversight in Anambra State.
“The abysmal performance of the Southeast region—where merely 1,998 eligible voters registered out of a staggering 1.3 million registrations nationwide—is not just a statistical anomaly; it is a profound indictment of our collective leadership.”
“In stark contrast, the Southwest region emerged as the frontrunner, with an astonishing 848,359 new voters registered, followed closely by the North-Central region, which accounted for 250,218 registrations.”
” This disparity is both a wake-up call and a call to arms for us as a people and region, underscoring an urgent need for introspection and decisive action.”
“We hold the political leadership of Anambra State especially Governor Chukwuma Soludo and former Governor Peter Obi accountable for this scandalous oversight. Their failure to effectively inform and mobilize citizens to partake in the electoral process is nothing short of a betrayal of public trust.
” The inaction of our leaders during this critical time reflects a gross dereliction of duty—one that cannot and must not be tolerated”they stated.
The group opined that the blame for this collective failure must be shouldered primarily by Southeast governors, who have failed to prioritize the substantive political interests of the Igbo people while instead pursuing divisive, parochial agendas.
Chief Ohia stated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges its own shortcomings in this regard, yet they emphasize that this culpability extends beyond political leaders to encompass traditional rulers, civil rights organizations, and other societal influencers who have all played a role in this worrying descent into disenfranchisement.
The organization went further to urge the Ndigbo to participate in the ongoing INEC In-Person Voters Registration Exercise, which will last from August 26, 2025, to August 31, 2026, stating that the failure to register and participate in the electoral process may further marginalize the Southeast region and render it voiceless in the national political landscape.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly asserts that every eligible voter in our midst must immediately engage in the ongoing INEC In-Person Voters Registration Exercise. We unequivocally convey this imperative: the responsibility to register and participate lies not only with the electoral commission but squarely on the shoulders of every Igbo citizen.”
“The evidence indicates that a staggering majority of our electorate remained uninformed and under-mobilized during the recent registration period. Particularly concerning is the fact that Anambra State recorded no registrations at all—a glaring signal of negligence from our political leaders who are tasked with ensuring civic engagement.”
“We hold the political leadership of Anambra State—especially Governor Chukwuma Soludo and former Governor Peter Obi—accountable for this scandalous oversight. Their failure to effectively inform and mobilize citizens to partake in the electoral process is nothing short of a betrayal of public trust. The inaction of our leaders during this critical time reflects a gross dereliction of duty—one that cannot and must not be tolerated.”
“In light of these stark realities, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon the Ndigbo to take their destiny into their own hands. The ongoing INEC In-Person Voters Registration, which will last from August 26, 2025, to August 31, 2026, offers a crucial opportunity to reclaim our political agency.”
“During this pivotal year, we will intensify our advocacy, applying pressure on Southeast governors, Local Government Area Chairmen under ALGON, traditional leaders, religious organizations, civil rights groups, and community leaders to ensure that every eligible citizen registers. It is imperative that we join forces to mobilize our community for robust participation in the upcoming elections in 2027.”
“To neglect this registration opportunity is to court disaster—a path that would leave the Southeast further marginalized and voiceless within a political system that already threatens our collective existence. We can no longer afford to remain passive; we must rise and act decisively.”
“This is, therefore, a clarion call to all Ndigbo across Nigeria: engage actively in the INEC Voters Registration Exercise taking place across all 774 Local Government Areas. Our voices, our votes, and our future depend on it.” the statement reads.
