UMUAHIA — A traditional ruler in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has attracted criticism following a viral video in which he was alleged to have made remarks concerning voters who may choose not to support the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in the 2027 general election.

The identity of the monarch has not been disclosed.

Reacting to the video, a Bende indigene, Mr. Peter Ekekwe, criticised the alleged remarks in a statement issued on Friday in Umuahia.

Ekekwe expressed concern over what he described as the growing involvement of traditional institutions in partisan politics, arguing that citizens have a constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation or undue influence.

“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 maintained that neither traditional rulers nor political figures should attempt to dictate how citizens exercise their voting rights.

According to him, traditional rulers are expected to serve as symbols of unity in their communities, regardless of political affiliations.

“Our traditional rulers occupy sacred stools because they are expected to unite their people irrespective of political affiliation. The palace should never become a campaign office. The throne belongs to every son and daughter of the community, not to any political party or candidate,” he stated.

Ekekwe further argued that political leadership should be secured through public confidence, integrity and service, rather than through coercion or undue influence.

He also called on political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and allow voters to freely make their choices.

He stressed the importance of protecting democratic values while ensuring that traditional institutions remain neutral and serve all members of their communities irrespective of political affiliation.