It Is Delusional to Place All Hopes on Government: Citizens Must Also Help Themselves Amid Hardship, Says Obi Achebe

Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, traditional ruler of the Onitsha Kingdom, said at the Ofala Festival on Friday at Ezechima Square that it was delusional to place all hopes in the government. Citing the 2026 theme, “Igbambo, Iganiru” (“strive and advance”), he urged people to endure hardship and legally pursue their own causes. Achebe also called on Nigerians, particularly people in the South-East, to participate in the coming elections and said the Osun State governorship election should serve as a benchmark for the 2027 general elections. He urged political parties to reject violence and non-partisan groups to step up efforts to promote free and fair polls.