…Community members also criticized the use of secret ballot voting, arguing that it contravenes the community’s constitution.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Residents of the Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and postpone the scheduled Igweship election, claiming that the state government is pushing the poll in violation of the community’s constitution.
The appeal came after a peaceful protest on Sunday, attended by thousands of indigenes, including youths and elders, who opposed the planned election slated for Monday, January 12, 2026. The protesters cited the exclusion of certain groups, particularly women, and warned that holding the election as planned could spark a crisis.
Community members also criticized the use of secret ballot voting, arguing that it contravenes the community’s constitution. The demonstration took place at the Ndiowu Civic Centre, drawing a large turnout of men, women, and youths.
They accused the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters of imposing the election date against the community’s wishes.
Speaking to journalists after the protest, former President General of the Ndiowu Development Union, Chief Chike Emenike, appealed to Governor Soludo to act urgently to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order. He urged that the election be postponed to the Easter period, a timeline unanimously agreed upon by the community.
“Our last traditional ruler passed away 11 years ago,” Emenike said. “But the election fixed for Monday, January 12, 2026, by the Ministry under TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, conflicts with the community’s gazetted constitution. It has never happened that Igweship or President General elections are conducted outside our constitution with secret ballots and the exclusion of women.
“We do not want someone from Abuja, Lagos, Calabar, or Port Harcourt imposed as our traditional ruler. Going ahead with this election is like forcing a monarch on the gods of our land. We are a peace-loving people and want to avoid unrest. We appeal to Governor Soludo to instruct the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and the Executive Chairman of Orumba North to respect Ndiowu’s wishes and postpone the election to Easter. This will also allow the community to properly notify sons and daughters living outside the state.”
Earlier, on Saturday, a town hall meeting with representatives from the commissioner’s office saw women, youths, and elders also protesting the proposed election date, insisting it contradicted the people’s wishes.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his phone went unanswered as of Sunday.
