The South East Council of Traditional Rulers (SECTR) has expressed concern that the timetable for the 2027 general elections, particularly the January 16 date scheduled for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, is unfavourable to the Igbo populace.
The traditional rulers voiced their position in a communiqué released following their quarterly delegate meeting. They urged Igbos traveling home for end-of-year festivities to return to their urban registration areas in time to cast their votes en masse.
To prevent political disruption, the council directed community leaders across the South East to suspend all local cultural festivals from January 10, 2027, through the end of the election period. The communiqué was signed by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe.
During the meeting, the council approved the rotation of its leadership to Eze Linus Nto Mbah of Abia State. The body also aligned with the Southern Governors Forum in backing a regional rotation of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council across the three southern geopolitical zones.
Addressing security and regional concerns, the traditional rulers expressed disappointment that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in custody despite repeated appeals to the federal government for his release. The council reiterated its call for his unconditional release.
The monarchs concluded by expressing appreciation to the South East Governors for their continued support of traditional institutions across the region.
