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By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The Obi-in-Council of Onitsha, Anambra State has announced that the historic kingdom will not endorse or support any candidate in the upcoming Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
In a statement released in Onitsha on Monday and was made available to our correspondent in Onitsha, Chief Osita Anionwu, the Ike Akatakwuani Onicha, said the Council has resolved to maintain the city’s traditional neutrality in political matters and will not be drawn into partisan politics.
The statement emphasized that while Onitsha indigenes, like all Nigerians, have the constitutional right to join and support any political party or candidate of their choice, such activities must be carried out strictly in their individual capacity.
“Some Onitsha indigenes, including Chiefs and Leaders of various groups, have been invited to campaign rallies. It should be clearly understood that they attend these events as private citizens and not as representatives of the Onitsha community,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and unity, the Obi-in-Council stressed that all constituent groups in Onitsha remain politically non-partisan but will continue to cooperate with legitimately elected governments at all levels.
“Nigeria is a plural democracy, and every citizen has the right to freely associate with any political party. However, for the sake of communal harmony, all Onitsha constituent bodies must remain neutral and work with whichever leadership emerges through democratic means,” the Council stated.
The Council also cautioned against interpreting the personal political activities of individuals as reflecting the position of the entire community.
“Those who attend rallies or participate in campaigns do so without any mandate from their constituent groups,” it emphasized.
Encouraging civic participation, the Obi-in-Council urged all eligible voters in Onitsha to register, vote, and peacefully exercise their electoral rights during the poll.
“Every indigene and resident of Onitsha should participate in the election freely and without intimidation. The Council stands for unity, fairness, and orderly conduct throughout the process,” it added.
The statement concluded with a call to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election in Anambra State.
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