As the 2027 general elections approach, a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, signaling support for his leadership in the coming years.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the group’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization appealed to President Tinubu to use his presidential powers to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by 2025. Isiguzoro emphasized that this act would not only demonstrate mercy but also play a pivotal role in restoring peace to the Southeast, an area grappling with significant security challenges. He stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved while violence and discord continue to plague the region.
In addition to advocating for Kanu’s release, Ohanaeze called for urgent attention to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Southeast’s decaying federal roads. Under the guidance of Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, these infrastructure projects are seen as critical to enhancing economic development and fostering social cohesion. The group insisted that the completion of these vital road projects before the end of 2026 must be prioritized.
The statement further reiterated the importance of honoring Nigeria’s unwritten agreement regarding rotational presidency between the North and South, describing it as a fundamental principle of fairness and equity in Nigeria’s democratic structure. With the North having held the presidency for eight years under Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, Ohanaeze reaffirmed its stance that the presidency should remain in the South through 2031.
In addressing the current political climate, Ohanaeze criticized the opposition for its perceived lack of unity and leadership, warning against political strategies that could undermine the aspirations of the Igbo people. The group recalled the disappointing outcomes of previous political alliances, such as those with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in 2019, which it argued did not serve the interests of the Southeast.
The organization also proposed several initiatives aimed at advancing the region, including ensuring fair representation in the 2025 Census, which should accurately reflect the ethnic and religious demographics of the country. Additionally, Ohanaeze called for the creation of new states like Anioma in the South-South and Aba in the Southeast to promote regional equity.
Furthermore, the group highlighted key economic projects critical to the Southeast’s growth, such as the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, revitalizing the Enugu Coal Mine, the establishment of the Akwete Blue River Deep Seaport, and the modernization of railway networks. These projects, according to the statement, are essential for unlocking the region’s economic potential.
In closing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its commitment to the unity and progress of the Southeast, stressing that the Igbo people must come together to support a shared vision of peace, infrastructural development, and regional advancement. The group vowed to continue working towards securing a brighter, more stable future for the region and its people.
