By Charles Pemu 
ONITSHA – The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has strongly expressed concern that the nation’s political focus has overwhelmingly shifted towards the 2027 general elections, even as persistent hunger, surging poverty, and widespread insecurity continue to afflict millions of Nigerians.
Speaking on Friday during the majestic 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, the monarch warned that the political class’s neglect of governance in favor of early alliance-forging was actively worsening the country’s economic and social challenges.
Poverty Deepens Despite Economic Reforms
Igwe Achebe lamented that ordinary Nigerians are bearing the harshest brunt of the neglect as living costs continue to climb. He cautioned that abandoning official duties for political ambition could further deepen hardship and instability nationwide.
He cited alarming statistics to underscore the crisis:
“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 Igwe stated. He added that unending violence, particularly affecting the agricultural sector, makes the reality on the ground “dire.”
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s “laudable macroeconomic stabilisation measures,” the monarch urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in distributing palliatives, stressing that relief materials must reach vulnerable citizens directly, unhindered by bureaucracy or corruption.
South-East Economy Loses N7.6 Trillion to Insecurity
Turning to regional issues, the Obi of Onitsha expressed deep concern over the economic toll of insecurity in the South-East. Citing a report by SBM Intelligence titled Four Years of Disruption, Achebe revealed that the South-East economy has lost approximately ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to insecurity and the crippling sit-at-home disruptions.
The monarch described the recent conviction in Finland of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa as a “potential turning point” and expressed hope that it would 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.
Call for Action in Anambra Poll
On the upcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 8, Achebe called for peace, transparency, and high voter participation. He specifically lamented the low turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
He highlighted a shocking disparity: “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 warned.
Despite the somber national and regional mood, the 2025 Ofala Festival—marking the monarch’s 24th celebration since ascending the throne—retained its cultural splendour, drawing dignitaries and traditional rulers from around the world. Igwe Achebe urged Nigerians to remain resilient and united, reiterating the theme, ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’