The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, alongside Southeast governors and ministers, has adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The decision, contained in a communiqué issued at the 2025 annual Igbo Day celebration themed “Igbo Ekunie: The Reawakening of the Igbo Spirit of Excellence and Enterprise,” was described as a turning point in Igbo-Yoruba relations. The events held across the seven Igbo-speaking states culminated in a grand finale in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.
The communiqué was signed by Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, Chief Jackson Omenazu, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Chief Chinenyeze, Professor Mrs. Nneoma Ukpabi, and Chief Alex Okemiri.
End of Igbo-Yoruba Rivalry
The group declared that Tinubu’s adoption signalled the end of a 73-year-old political rivalry between the Igbo and Yoruba, dating back to 1952 when disputes in the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) blocked Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe from becoming Premier of the Western Region.
Participants called for reconciliation and a new alliance with the Yoruba nation, citing Igbo investments and economic presence in Lagos and the Southwest as evidence of strong ties. They also referenced Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s selection of Chief Philip Umeadi as his running mate in 1979 as a symbol of unity to be emulated.
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The communiqué praised President Tinubu for prioritising the Southeast despite the region’s opposition during the 2023 elections. His inclusion of Nigeria in the BRICS bloc, focus on infrastructure, and efforts to address insecurity in the region were highlighted as evidence of goodwill.
The Igbo leaders hailed Tinubu’s ₦5 trillion road project in the Southeast and commended Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, for his achievements. They called for Umahi to remain in office until 2031.
Unified Backing Until 2031
The group resolved to suspend support for opposition parties and pledged to back Tinubu’s administration for a full eight-year tenure, describing it as the “unified decision of Ndigbo.”
They also demanded the immediate release of funds for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri standard gauge railway, describing it as critical to the region’s economic revival.
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Ohanaeze and the Southeast leaders demanded the revival of long-abandoned federal projects, including the Enugu coal mine, dredging of the Azumiri seaport in Abia State, and restoration of the Ivo Dam.
They also urged governors in the region to promote Igbo language and culture by creating world-class research centres in universities and introducing Igbo as the official language in schools across the Southeast.
Security and Cultural Preservation
The group applauded improvements in the region’s security, particularly following the suspension of the Monday sit-at-home order. It commended the Federal Police for their efforts in restoring stability.
Special interfaith prayers were held during the celebrations at Afikpo Central Mosque, Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, and Jesus Sanctuary Ministries in Port Harcourt to seek divine guidance, peace, and prosperity for Ndigbo at home and abroad.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
