Ohanaeze Ndigbo Blames Southeast Leaders for Poor Voter Registration Turnout

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has attributed the low voter registration numbers in the Southeast during the ongoing INEC exercise to the failure of political and traditional leaders in the region to mobilize the populace.

According to a statement jointly signed by Deputy President General Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesperson Thompson Ohia, the Southeast recorded only 1,998 new registrations between August 18 and 25, 2025, compared to a national figure of 1.3 million. The Southwest led with 848,359 registrations, followed by the North-Central with 250,218. Shockingly, Anambra State recorded zero new registrants during this period.

Ohanaeze directly holds political leaders in the Southeast, particularly those in Anambra, responsible for the poor turnout, accusing them of neglecting efforts to encourage voter participation.

While acknowledging its own shortcomings, the organization also criticized traditional rulers and civil rights groups for failing to effectively sensitize the people about the importance of the exercise.

The group called on all stakeholders—governors, local government chairmen, town union presidents, market leaders, students, religious groups, and civil society—to actively mobilize citizens to register before the deadline on August 31, 2026.

Describing the registration as a golden opportunity to boost the Southeast’s electoral influence, Ohanaeze urged:
“Register, and make your voice heard. Let the Igbo people reclaim their rightful place in the Nigerian political landscape.”