The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Dr. Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, has strongly criticised the ongoing marginalisation of Igbos during the local government elections across the state, describing it as a persistent pattern of political exclusion.
Speaking from his Ikoyi residence on Saturday, Dr. Aguene expressed deep concern over the alleged disenfranchisement of Igbo residents, many of whom, he claimed, were either denied the opportunity to vote or deliberately sidelined from full participation in the electoral process.
“This is not an isolated incident,” he said. “What we are witnessing is a recurring trend in every election cycle, where the Igbo community is systematically denied political representation.”
Dr. Aguene lamented that Igbo candidates are rarely given the platform to contest for key positions such as local government chairman or councillor, despite the community’s substantial contributions to the economic and social development of Lagos State.
“It is a known fact that Igbos residing in Lagos are often prevented from exercising their civic rights during elections,” he stated. “At best, one or two Igbos may be appointed as vice chairmen in local councils, but that remains the exception rather than the rule.”
He further criticised the political environment in Lagos and Nigeria at large, describing it as falling short of democratic principles.
“What we have is not a democracy, but a system hijacked by opportunists who suppress the will of the people. This undermines voter confidence and fuels apathy, as citizens no longer believe in the process,” Dr. Aguene said.
He called for a more inclusive and equitable political system that acknowledges the rights of all ethnic groups, especially those who have made significant investments in the growth and prosperity of the state.
“We must build a democracy where fairness, inclusivity, and equal representation are not just ideals, but realities,” he concluded.
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