2027: Group seeks greater Igbo inclusion in Nigerian political project

A socio-political group, the Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD), has strongly condemned what it described as the continued marginalisation, ridicule, and alienation of Ndigbo in Nigeria’s political space. The group has resolved that such a trend must no longer be allowed to continue.

The group made its position known at its inaugural meeting held on Wednesday at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja. The meeting was presided over by the convener, Chief Chekwas Okorie, who described the IAD as a platform for Igbo political leaders and elites to mobilise Ndigbo towards 2027 and beyond.

According to Chief Okorie, the lack of cohesion and unity of purpose among the Igbo has exposed the ethnic group to “embarrassing ridicule, disrespect, alienation, and marginalisation” by other groups who currently control the levers of political power, as well as significant segments of the Nigerian economy and bureaucracy.

He noted that the Igbo fared better politically during the First and Second Republics when strategic political alliances were formed. For instance, he cited the coalition between the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) in the First Republic, and the accord between the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) in the Second Republic. These alliances, he said, produced the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme (NPN) as Vice President and the late Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke (NPP) as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The founder and pioneer national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also observed that the Igbo have lacked a unified political front since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. He stressed that Igbo votes must never again be taken for granted, asserting that any candidate or political party seeking Igbo pport must sign a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Igbo nation.

Chief Okorie clarified that the IAD is not a parallel body to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which he recognised as the apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation. Rather, the IAD seeks to complement efforts by mobilising political participation across the region. He revealed that the group is working to convene a comprehensive Igbo Political Summit in Enugu. The summit is expected to involve all political parties, professional and market associations, town unions, women and youth organisations, Igbo in the diaspora, and other key stakeholders from the South East and Igbo-speaking communities across Nigeria.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting — signed by Chief Okorie and Jonathan Elendu, the Executive Secretary of IAD — stated that participants resolved to build a formidable Igbo national grid. This would integrate all credible Igbo associations, unions, professional bodies, and diaspora groups into a coordinated structure focused on political mobilisation, economic empowerment, and cultural renaissance.

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The communiqué also disclosed that the proposed summit would adopt an Igbo Charter—a comprehensive political agenda that would define Igbo interests, rights, and responsibilities within Nigeria. A select committee of respected Igbo leaders, technocrats, and intellectuals will be constituted to draft the Charter to ensure depth, quality, and durability.

The group observed with concern the decline in voter turnout among Ndigbo in recent elections and resolved to reawaken political consciousness through mass mobilisation and voter education. It affirmed that the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) remains the most effective tool for political empowerment—far more powerful than violence or armed struggle.

Furthermore, the meeting endorsed the formulation of a practical, sustainable strategy to ensure full Igbo participation in all electoral contests, regardless of where Igbos reside in Nigeria. It called on Igbo leaders—across political parties, religions, and ideological lines—to work together in pursuit of the collective interest of the Igbo nation in 2027 and beyond.