The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed concern over what it described as the alarmingly low turnout of new voter registrations in the Southeast, blaming political and traditional leaders in the region for failing to mobilize citizens.
Figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that between August 18 and 25, only 1,998 new voters registered in the Southeast, compared to over 1.3 million nationwide. The Southwest recorded the highest figure with 848,359 registrations, followed by the North Central with 250,218. Anambra State reportedly recorded no new registrants during the period.
In a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze described the Southeast’s numbers as profoundly unacceptable and a setback to the region’s political relevance.
The organisation held political leaders, particularly governors, responsible for neglecting voter sensitisation, accusing them of pursuing narrow agendas at the expense of the region’s broader political interest.
“We castigate the Southeast Governors, whose focus on narrow political agendas has overshadowed the paramount political interests of the Igbo people. This irresponsible conduct has rendered the Southeast a political caricature in the eyes of the nation,” the statement read.
Traditional rulers, civil rights organisations, and other stakeholders were also criticised for failing to encourage citizens to participate in the exercise.
Despite acknowledging its own shortcomings, Ohanaeze urged all stakeholders—including governors, local government chairmen, town unions, market associations, students, religious leaders, and civil society groups—to intensify mobilisation efforts before the exercise ends on August 31, 2026.
“This is a clarion call, a rallying cry to all Igbo across Nigeria. Participate in the INEC voter registration exercise across the 774 local government areas of the federation. Register, and make your voice heard. Let the Igbo people reclaim their rightful place in the Nigerian political landscape,” the group added.
