Outrage In Bende Federal Constituency As Traditional Ruler’s Alleged Threat To Voters Sparked Public Condemnation 

There is palpable tension in some parts of Bende Federal Constituency on Saturday after a viral video showed a traditional ruler allegedly threatening residents who fail to vote for Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in the 2027 elections.

“This is the worst threat I have seen in recent times coming from a traditional ruler,” a community member said in Ugwueke on Sunday.

The incident occurred during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Speaker to selected traditional rulers of Umunna extraction in Bende.

APC stakeholders, dignitaries, and royal fathers from Umunna communities were in attendance.

Midway into the ceremony, a video surfaced online showing HRH Eze Innocent Mba, the Traditional Ruler of Akanu Item in Bende LGA, addressing guests.

In the clip, the monarch was allegedly heard saying: _“Anyone in Akanu Item who does not vote for Ben Kalu will die.”_

He added: “The ground will kill anyone who votes against Benjamin Kalu in his immediate community.”_

He also boasted that he was not afraid of being dethroned.

The remarks drew gasps from those present and have since sparked outrage across Bende and beyond. Many described them as an abuse of the revered traditional stool and a dangerous descent into political intimidation.

Community members and civil society groups have condemned the statement, calling it “rascality” and a sign of desperation. They are demanding that Eze Mba retract the comment immediately.

“He will be held responsible for any loss of life before, during and after the election,” one community leader warned.

The groups also urged the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and security agencies to intervene to prevent the 2027 polls from descending into fear and violence.

“Elections are about ideas, not fear,” a Bende youth leader said. “No politician, and no royal father, should set Bende on fire because of desperation.”

Under Section 95 of the Electoral Act 2022, traditional rulers are expected to remain non-partisan.

The Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers had earlier this year called for a ceasefire in political rhetoric and reminded monarchs of their role as “custodians of peace,” not partisan actors.

The incident has reignited debate in the constituency. Critics have accused the Deputy Speaker’s camp of tolerating intimidation, while others insist the monarch acted alone.

Hon. Benjamin Kalu was present at the event but had not issued a direct response to the specific remarks as of press time.

INEC and the Nigeria Police in Abia had also not released an official statement. Civil society groups are demanding a full investigation and sanctions against the traditional ruler, arguing that tying votes to threats violates the law and undermines democracy.