By Njenje Media News | October 28, 2025
ONITSHA, ANAMBRA STATE
The Obi-in-Council of Onitsha has issued a press statement urging all Onitsha indigenes to exercise their civic rights and participate actively in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, but strictly as individuals, not as representatives of the community or its constituent groups.
In the statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Ike Akatakwuani Onicha and Chief of Staff, the Council reaffirmed that Nigeria operates a multi-party constitutional democracy where every citizen possesses the inalienable right to freely associate with any political party of choice, attend rallies, and canvass support without coercion.
The Council emphasised that while individual Onitsha indigenes may belong to various political parties, the community itself remains politically non-partisan. It stressed that the Onitsha traditional institutions and constituent groups must maintain communal cohesion and neutrality, pledging continued cooperation with all duly elected governments.
“For communal cohesion and well-being, all Onitsha constituent groups are, of necessity, politically non-partisan, but rather support and cooperate with duly elected leaderships at all levels of government,” the statement read.
With the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, the Obi-in-Council cautioned against any misinterpretation of chiefs or community leaders attending campaign rallies. It clarified that such attendance should be seen as personal and voluntary participation, not as an endorsement on behalf of the Onitsha community.
The Council further encouraged all eligible Onitsha indigenes and residents to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and to cast their votes freely for candidates of their choice during the election, urging them to resist intimidation or coercion from any quarter.
In conclusion, the statement urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process throughout Anambra State.
Signed:
Chief Osita Anionwu
Ike Akatakwuani Onicha, Chief of Staff
