By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — A traditional ruler in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has drawn criticism over a viral video in which he was alleged to have made remarks concerning voters who may not support the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in the 2027 general election.
The monarch’s identity has been withheld.
Reacting to the video, a Bende indigene, Mr. Peter Ekekwe, in a statement issued on Friday in Umuahia, described the reported remarks as inappropriate and expressed concern over what he said was the increasing involvement of traditional institutions in partisan politics.
According to Ekekwe, democratic principles guarantee citizens the constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation or undue influence.
