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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A traditional ruler from Item, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State (name withheld) has been faulted for allegedly placing a curse on any subject who will vote against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in the 2027 general election.
A video went viral earlier in the week showing the monarch pronouncing a curse on any subject who will vote against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu.
Reacting to the video, a political leader in Bende, Chief Peter Ekekwe, in a statement issued in Umuahia, described the action as “political rascality taken too far.”
He warned that the growing involvement of the traditional institution in partisan politics in the state poses a grave threat to democracy, peaceful coexistence, and the credibility of Nigeria’s traditional leadership.
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He reminded the traditional ruler that democracy guarantees every eligible citizen the constitutional right to freely choose candidates without intimidation, coercion, threats, or spiritual blackmail.
“A healthy democracy relies entirely on the freedom of citizens to think, choose and associate without fear. Every Nigerian who has attained the legal voting age is mature enough to make an independent political decision guided by conscience, conviction and the truth,” he said”.
He added that no traditional ruler, political leader or influential figure has the moral or constitutional authority to dictate how citizens should vote.
“It is deeply disturbing that a highly respected traditional ruler would allegedly endorse or place curses against anyone who chooses to support another qualified son of Bende or any candidate outside their preferred political choice. This is not politics; it is intimidation taken to a dangerous level.”
Ekekwe warned that once royal fathers abandon their historic role as custodians of culture, tradition and communal unity to openly champion partisan political interests, they risk eroding the respect and neutrality that have sustained traditional institutions for generations.
