Ohanaeze Ndigbo Endorses Tinubu for Second Term in 2027
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office. The endorsement was made public in a statement issued on Sunday, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of the group. The statement also called on President Tinubu to use his authority to ensure the release of Nnamdi Kanu by 2025.
Isiguzoro emphasized that releasing the IPOB leader would not only be an act of compassion but a crucial step towards restoring peace and addressing the security challenges currently facing the Southeast. He stressed that the region deserves a stable environment, which can only be achieved by moving beyond violence and unrest.
The statement also highlighted the importance of accelerating ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly the rehabilitation of federal roads in the Southeast under Senator David Umahi’s leadership as Minister of Works. It was reiterated that these projects must be completed by the end of 2026 to ensure economic growth and social harmony in the region.
In the statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of rotational presidency in Nigeria, asserting that after an eight-year term of northern leadership under Muhammadu Buhari, it is now time for the South to retain power from 2023 to 2031. Ohanaeze believes this approach is vital to promoting fairness and equity in Nigeria’s democratic framework. Consequently, the group fully supports President Tinubu’s candidacy for a second term.
The organization also expressed concerns over the disarray within opposition political parties, claiming that figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Sim Fubara lack the capacity to challenge the APC effectively. It cautioned against political alliances that could undermine the interests of the Ibo people, recalling the negative outcomes of past political endorsements, such as those made in 2019.
In addition, Ohanaeze Ndigbo called for immediate attention to the upcoming 2025 National Census to ensure that the Igbo ethnic group and its population are properly represented, especially in the northern regions. The organization also advocated for the creation of new states, including Anioma State in the South-South and Aba State in the Southeast, to improve governance and political influence for the Igbo people.
The revitalization of the Eastern Economic corridors was another key issue raised, with a focus on initiatives like the dredging of the Calabar Seaport, the reopening of the Enugu Coal Mine, and the development of the Akwete Blue River Deep Seaport in Abia State. Enhancing the railway network and improving transportation links within the region are also critical to unlocking the Southeast’s full economic potential.
In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term is rooted in a vision of peace, stability, and sustained infrastructural development for the Southeast. The group called on its members and the broader Igbo community to support this unified approach, prioritizing the long-term prosperity and security of the region over personal interests. The organization emphasized that its allegiance lies with the progress of the Southeast and the integrity of the Igbo identity.
