secession, instead of translating their energy into votes,” Okorie said.
He stressed that the 2023 election exposed a contradiction in Igbo political activism loud voices online and on the streets, but silence at the ballot box.
“Some youths even argued that voting was useless, that the system was already rigged. Others chose violence as an option, forgetting that real change only comes through participation,” he added.
Okorie further observed that the South-East’s inability to maximize its voting power weakened Obi’s chances nationally. Despite winning across the region and making impressive inroads in Lagos, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory, Obi ultimately fell short against the combined strength of the APC and PDP structures.
According to him, the lesson is clear: numbers matter more than sentiments. “Democracy is a game of numbers. You may be the most popular candidate, but if your people don’t show up, you cannot win. The South-East must take this to heart ahead of future elections,” Okorie emphasized.
He urged Igbo leaders, political groups, and civil society organizations to prioritize voter education and mobilization. “We must not repeat the mistake of 2023. If 11.5 million people are on the register, then we should target at least 60 percent turnout. Anything less will continue to leave the region politically shortchanged,” he said.
Okorie also appealed to youths to channel their passion into constructive engagement rather than despair.
“Agitation and secessionist rhetoric cannot replace the ballot box. If you want a better Nigeria, you must register, vote, and defend your vote. That is how democracy works,” he stated.
While commending Obi for energizing the political space and inspiring millions, Okorie maintained that the next challenge is ensuring that such enthusiasm translates into higher turnout.
