This post has already been read at least 11137 times!
BENDE, ABIA STATE — A political controversy has erupted in Bende Federal Constituency following the circulation of a viral video in which a traditional ruler was allegedly heard making threatening remarks against residents who may choose not to support Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in the 2027 general elections.
The development has generated widespread reactions across the constituency, with community leaders, civil society organisations and residents expressing concern over comments attributed to the monarch during a meeting attended by political stakeholders and traditional rulers.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Speaker to selected traditional rulers of Umunna extraction in Bende Local Government Area. The gathering attracted prominent APC stakeholders, community leaders, dignitaries and royal fathers from various Umunna communities.
A video from the event, which has since gone viral on social media, allegedly captured HRH Eze Innocent Mba, the Traditional Ruler of Akanu Item, making remarks interpreted by many as a warning to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to those who viewed the footage, the monarch allegedly declared that residents of Akanu Item who fail to vote for the Deputy Speaker would face dire consequences. He was also reported to have stated that he was unafraid of any repercussions, including the possibility of being dethroned.
The comments have sparked condemnation from several quarters, with critics describing them as inappropriate and inconsistent with the expected neutrality of traditional institutions.
A resident of Ugwueke, who reacted to the development, described the remarks as one of the most disturbing political statements made by a traditional ruler in recent years.
Several community stakeholders and advocacy groups have also called for an immediate retraction of the statement, warning that such comments could heighten political tensions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Some leaders within the constituency argued that any attempt to influence voter choices through fear or intimidation poses a threat to democratic principles and peaceful coexistence.
They further called on the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, relevant security agencies and electoral authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action where necessary.
According to the concerned groups, traditional rulers occupy revered positions in society and are expected to serve as symbols of unity, peace and impartiality, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
The incident has also renewed discussions about the role of traditional institutions in partisan politics. Observers note that provisions of the Electoral Act and various guidelines governing traditional institutions encourage royal fathers to remain non-partisan and avoid actions capable of compromising public trust in their offices.
While some critics have questioned the political implications of the remarks and the circumstances under which they were made, others have maintained that responsibility for the comments rests solely with the monarch.
As of the time of filing this report, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu had not publicly addressed the specific comments attributed to the traditional ruler. Similarly, neither the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nor the Nigeria Police Force in Abia State had issued an official statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations have continued to demand a thorough investigation, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic process must be protected from actions capable of promoting fear, coercion or voter intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
This post has already been read at least 11137 times!
About the Author
