UMUAHIA — A traditional ruler in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has faced criticism following the circulation of a viral video in which he was alleged to have made comments 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 been withheld.

Reacting to the video, a Bende indigene, Mr. Peter Ekekwe, described the alleged remarks as inappropriate and expressed concern over what he termed the growing involvement of traditional institutions in partisan politics.

Ekekwe, in a statement issued on Friday in Umuahia, stressed that democratic principles guarantee citizens the 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 argued that neither traditional rulers nor political figures should attempt to influence how citizens exercise their voting rights.

According to him, traditional rulers are expected to remain symbols of unity in their communities, irrespective 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 maintained that political leadership should be secured through public confidence, integrity and service rather than coercion or undue pressure.

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

He stressed that protecting democratic values and maintaining the neutrality of traditional institutions remained essential to ensuring a healthy political process.