The leader of the Network of Igala Voices (NIV),Ebeneh, Ebeneh, has called on Nigerians to resist the growing culture of vote buying, ethnic manipulation and political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the country cannot survive another cycle of irresponsible leadership driven by desperation and deception.
In a strongly worded statement issued on behalf of the group, Ebeneh described the coming elections as a defining moment for Nigeria, insisting that citizens must begin to see their votes as instruments of national transformation rather than commodities to be exchanged for temporary relief.
According to him, many Nigerians have repeatedly fallen into the trap of collecting food items, cash gifts and campaign materials during elections, only to endure years of hardship, insecurity and neglect after politicians assume office.
“As 2027 approaches, Nigerians must understand that no face cap, T-shirt, wrapper or bag of rice can solve four years of suffering,” he stated.
“A politician may give you ten thousand naira during campaigns, but the same politician spends far more than that monthly on personal luxury and allowances for their children abroad. Citizens must stop selling their future cheaply.”
Ebeneh lamented the worsening economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians, noting that hunger, unemployment, insecurity and inflation have continued to affect citizens across ethnic and religious lines.
He stressed that the current hardship in the country does not discriminate between tribes, regions or religions, urging Nigerians to reject divisive politics capable of undermining national unity.
“Hunger does not ask whether you are Igala, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Tiv or Nupe before it strikes. Poverty does not recognize religion or tribe. The suffering in Nigeria today is a collective reality, and citizens must stop allowing politicians to divide them for political advantage,” he added.
The leader also condemned the increasing use of young people as political thugs during elections, warning that desperate politicians often manipulate unemployed youths into violence while their own children remain safely abroad or away from political conflict.
“No election is worth the blood of any Nigerian youth. Politicians who encourage violence rarely expose their own children to such danger. Young people must refuse to become weapons in the hands of selfish political actors,” Ebeneh warned.
He further urged Nigerians to move beyond emotional sentiments, propaganda and social media popularity by focusing on the character, competence, integrity and accountability of candidates seeking public office.
According to him, leadership should not be reduced to tribal loyalty or political entertainment, but should instead reflect capacity, vision and genuine commitment to public service.
Ebeneh maintained that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the willingness of citizens to vote responsibly and hold leaders accountable, adding that silence and compromise have contributed significantly to the country’s recurring political failures.
“The power still belongs to the people if they choose to use it wisely. Nigerians must stop empowering those who continue to impoverish them. Democracy can only work when citizens become more conscious, courageous and difficult to manipulate,” he said.
The Network of Igala Voices therefore called on Nigerians, especially young voters, to approach the 2027 elections with greater political awareness and a renewed commitment to national interest above ethnic or religious considerations.
The group noted that while elections may be local, the consequences of leadership affect the nation’s economy, security, international reputation and future generations.
Ebeneh concluded by urging citizens to reject vote trading and embrace issue-based politics capable of producing accountable leadership and sustainable national development.
“2027 must not be another wasted opportunity. Nigerians must rise above fear, hunger and manipulation and choose leaders with competence, integrity and vision. The future of this country depends on the decisions citizens make today,” he stated.
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