Igbo Traditional Rulers Urge Suspension Of Festivals Ahead Of 2027 General Elections

The South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) has expressed concern over the timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the January 16 date scheduled for the presidential and National Assembly elections as unfavourable to the Igbo people.

The monarchs raised the concern after their quarterly delegate meeting, urging Igbo residents who may travel to their communities for festivities during the election period to return to their places of voter registration and participate in the polls.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the traditional rulers called on community leaders across the South-East to suspend festivals from January 10, 2027, until the conclusion of the general elections to encourage greater voter participation.

The decision was contained in a communiqué made available to journalists on Tuesday and signed by Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

The council also approved the rotation of its leadership to Eze Linus Nto Mbah of Abia State. It further expressed support for the Southern Governors Forum’s decision to rotate the leadership of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council among the three geopolitical zones in the region.

On the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the South-East monarchs expressed disappointment that their repeated appeals to the Federal Government for his release had not yielded the desired result.

The council stated in its communiqué that it was concerned that despite several appeals for Kanu’s release, no action had been taken. It consequently renewed its demand for his unconditional release.

The traditional rulers also commended governors in the South-East for their continued support for traditional institutions across the region.

The council’s position on the election timetable highlights its concerns about the potential impact of the scheduled polls on traditional festivals and voter participation, particularly among Igbo residents who may travel to their hometowns during the period.