2027: Ohanaeze endorses Tinubu for second term

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Ohanaeze stated this in a statement signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Sunday, where they appealed to the President to use his executive powers to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu this 2025.

According to Isiguzoro, the release of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, shall serve not merely as an act of mercy, but as a vital catalyst for restoring peace and resolving the current insecurity challenges plaguing the Southeast.

Isiguzoro maintained that the South-East deserves a path toward stability, noting that peace cannot be achieved in the shadow of violence and discord.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also advocated for the acceleration of ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction projects of dilapidated federal roads throughout Southeastern Nigeria, under Senator David Umahi as Works Minister, insisting that Southeastern infrastructure remains the backbone of economic progress and social cohesion. He added that it’s non-negotiable that these projects are completed before the end of 2026.

The statement reads, “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, firmly frames this critical discourse around the sanctity of Nigeria’s unwritten gentleman’s agreement concerning the rotational presidency between the North and South. This covenant, which stands as a pillar of our democracy, must not only be acknowledged but must be steadfastly upheld to promote equity and fairness amidst our diverse tapestry.

“With the conclusion of an eight-year Northern presidency under Former President Muhammadu Buhari, from 2015 to 2023, we firmly assert that it is now time for the Southern region to claim its rightful place at the helm of leadership from 2023 to 2031. This principle of fairness compels us to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the upcoming 2027 elections.

“In our assessment of the current political milieu, the glaring weakness, disarray, and lack of coherence among opposition political elites expose a perilous landscape for governance. Individuals such as Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Sim Fubara may mean well, but the reality is that their capacity to mount a serious challenge against the APC is dubious at best. It would be a reckless endeavor to engage in political maneuvers that align with figures who offer no substantive plan for progress.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautions that any attempt to co-opt our organization as a vehicle for misguided political machinations must be met with resolute resistance. The political ambition of the few should not be allowed to hijack the collective aspirations of the Ibo people. We cannot afford to gamble again on opportunistic alliances that have historically undermined our unity. Our people still bear the scars of the ill-fated endorsement of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in 2019, a move that has reverberated painfully through our communities and the fabric of our regional integrity.

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“In this crucial juncture, we pivot towards constructive action. We urge President Tinubu to utilize his executive powers to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu by 2025. This pivotal step will serve not merely as an act of mercy, but as a vital catalyst for restoring peace and resolving the current insecurity challenges plaguing the Southeast. Our region deserves a path toward stability, and this cannot happen in the shadow of violence and discord.

“Moreover, we strongly advocate for the acceleration of ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction projects of dilapidated federal roads throughout Southeastern Nigeria, under the stewardship of Senator Dave Umahi. Our infrastructure is the backbone of economic progress and social cohesion; thus, it is non-negotiable that these projects are completed before the end of 2026.

“The foundational need for accurate representation in the upcoming 2025 Census must also be addressed, particularly the incorporation of ethnic and religious demographics that reflect the true population of the Igbo people across Nigeria, especially in the northern region. It is our belief that such representation will further empower our voice in national conversations.

“Additionally, the creation of new states within Igbo land—Anioma State in the South-South and Aba State in the Southeast—will enhance our governance, representation, and socio-political relevance.

“We also highlight the urgency of revitalizing the Eastern Economic corridors, which require strategic reinvestment. Initiatives such as the dredging and reopening of Calabar Seaport, the revival of Enugu Coal Mine, and the establishment of the Akwete Blue River Deep Seaport in Ukwa East, Abia State are paramount. Furthermore, upgrading the railway framework from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and enhancing connectivity within our towns, including Onitsha, Owerri, Okigwe, Abakaliki, and Awka, will solidify our region’s economic potential.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027 is decisive and reflects our commitment to a trajectory of peace, stability, and infrastructural development for the Southeast. We call upon our members and all Igbo people to align with this vision, setting aside parochial interests in favour of a united front that champions genuine progress for our region.

“Our focus is clear: we seek harmony, resilience, and a brighter future for the Igbo people, woven together by the threads of infrastructural enhancement and an unwavering commitment to security and wellbeing. Let it be known, our allegiance is to the progress of the Southeast and the integrity of our identity.

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